Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high thermal efficiency inflator having a thermal efficiency of greater than about 90 percent, to passive restraint systems utilizing the high thermal efficiency inflator of the invention, and to a method of inflating inflatable objects. The high thermal efficiency inflator has a housing having an inner surface, and defining an interior volume. The housing contains a pressurized gas at a first pressure in the interior volume; and a pyrotechnic material for producing heat upon combustion. The pyrotechnic material has a burn rate that is accelerated at the first pressure, and is subjected to the first pressure of the pyrotechnic material within the housing. In addition, the pyrotechnic material is substantially free of thermal contact with the housing, and is stored within the interior volume of the housing at a distance from the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a container (14) defining a chamber (40). The container (14) has a portion (36) which is rupturable to form an opening in the container. A quantity of inflation fluid (42) is stored under pressure in the chamber (40). An electrically actuatable initiator (50) is connected with the container (14) for rupturing the rupturable portion (36) of the container to enable flow of inflation fluid (42) out of the inflator (10). The initiator (50) comprises an ignitable primary charge (90) and electrically energizable means (60) for igniting the primary charge. The initiator (50) further comprises a secondary charge (100) ignitable by the primary charge (90). The secondary charge (100) comprises an ignitable metal in solid form which liquefies when ignited by the primary charge (90).

Abstract: An inflator having a combustion chamber and a stored gas chamber separated by a bulkhead. The bulkhead includes a flow passage extending between the combustion chamber and stored gas chamber, with a plurality of exit ports opening onto the flow passage. A flow plug is initially received in the flow passage to block the flow of the stored gas from the stored gas chamber. Activation of the inflator causes increased pressure in the combustion chamber, which forces the flow plug from the flow passage to permit the stored gas to flow through the exit ports, and for the heating gas from the combustion chamber to mix with the stored gas. A head flange may be formed on the flow plug to permit the stored gas to begin exiting the stored gas chamber prior to mixing with the heating gas. A slide nozzle may also be interposed between the flow plug and flow passage to form a nozzle forcing the heating gas to mix with the stored gas prior to exiting the inflator.

Abstract: A dual initiator inflator for selective activation, depending upon detection of a low impact vehicle collision or a high impact vehicle collision, is provided for use with an air bag in a vehicle. The inflator can be configured to function at any one of a number of vehicle locations, including a driver side inflator and a passenger side inflator. The inflator includes first and second initiators and first and second propellants. When a low impact vehicle collision is detected, the first initiator is triggered to ignite the first propellant. Essentially all inflation gases that are received in the air bag are due to products of combustion from the first propellant and stored gas contained in the inflator housing. After a predetermined time delay, the second propellant is ignited by the second initiator so that no combustible propellant remains after inflator usage.

Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete and isolated chambers of gas generant materials. At least one of the chambers includes a lid closure adapted to open to place the combustion products formed within the associated chamber in fluid communication with the contents of the other chamber. The subject inflator permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components, such as filters, for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: The invention refers to a gas generator for a safety device in motor vehicles, comprising a housing, a cover closing the housing, a propellant container arranged in the housing, and a filling body arranged between the propellant container and the cover or the housing, wherein the filling body is formed of an elastic material and adheres to the propellant container and the cover or the housing, thereby connecting the propellant container and the cover or the housing.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for providing inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a pressure vessel (12) defining a chamber (30) for inflation fluid. The pressure vessel (12) has a passage (40) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (30). A burst disk (52) blocks fluid flow through the passage (40). A member (80) is disposed adjacent to and on one side of the burst disk (52) prior to the inflation fluid entering the pressure vessel (12). The burst disk (52) deforms toward the one side due to the pressure of the inflation fluid when the inflation fluid is disposed in the chamber (30). The member (80) limits deformation of the burst disk (52) by contacting the burst disk. An actuatable igniter assembly (66), when actuated, moves the member toward the burst disk (52) to rupture the burst disk and enable the inflation fluid to flow from the chamber (30) through the passage (40).

Abstract: A hybrid inflator that includes a solid propellant and a pressurized medium comprising oxygen and at least one inert gas is provided. The solid propellant can be fuel-rich in that without excess oxygen it generates significant amounts of CO and H2. The at least one inert gas is contained in an inflator housing and the amount thereof is greater, on a molar basis, than the oxygen. The propellant has acceptable long-term stability in that such propellant does not ignite when exposed to a temperature of 107° C. for a period of 400 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generating apparatus for an air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle or the like for protecting a passenger of the vehicle by charging a gas into an air bag interposed between the passenger and an interior member of the vehicle chamber so as to inflate the air bag at the time of collision of the vehicle. The gas generating apparatus for the air bag apparatus includes a first chamber 9 which accommodates a combustible fluid 7 and which is provided with a first vent opening 8 leading to the air bag 3; a second chamber 5 larger than the first chamber 9; a first occluding member 13 for occluding the first vent opening 8; and an ignition device 14 for igniting the combustible fluid in the first chamber 9. By burning at least a portion of the combustible fluid 7 within the first chamber 9, the fluid in the first and second chambers 9 and 5 is discharged through the first vent opening 8 to inflate the air bag 3.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an initiator (14) having a casing (42) containing a charge of pyrotechnic material (44). An end wall (58) of the casing (42) has score lines (72) delineating petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58). The petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58) are configured to diverge by deflecting pivotally upon rupturing of the end wall (58) along the score lines (72) under the influence of the pyrotechnic material (44). The apparatus (10) further includes a petal retainer structure (50) having a retainer surface (80). The retainer surface (80) is configured to receive the petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58) so as to limit pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections (74) to amounts less than 90 degrees. The petal retainer structure (50) is thus configured to inhibit fragmentation of the end wall (58) that might otherwise occur upon greater pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections (74).

Abstract: An inflator (10) for providing inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable device includes a container (12) containing a stored pressurized gas. The container (12) has a primary chamber (24) and a secondary chamber (26). The container (12) has a wall (32) separating the primary and secondary chambers (24, 26). An orifice (34) communicates the primary chamber (24) with the secondary chamber (26). The container (12) has an outlet passage (42) communicating with the secondary chamber (26). The flow area of the outlet passage (42) is greater than the flow area of the orifice (34). A member (46) has a first condition blocking flow through the outlet passage (42) and a second condition permitting flow through the outlet passage. An initiator (52) causes the member (46) to assume the second condition so as to permit flow from the secondary chamber (26) through the outlet passage (42) and create a pressure differential between the primary and secondary chambers (24, 26) acting on the wall (32).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflating the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) includes a passage (68) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (46) into the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) also has a burst disk (44) which blocks the passage (68). An actuatable source (90) of laser light, when actuated, emits laser light which impinges on the burst disk (44) to cause the burst disk to rupture and release the inflation fluid from the chamber (46).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inflating an inflatable device which are based on the reaction of a carborane fuel material and an oxidant, such as water. Thus, the invention can desirably avoid the need for the storage of reactants under relatively high pressures.

Abstract: An inflator system that includes an inflatable and an inflator apparatus having a supplemental gas assembly is provided. The supplemental gas assembly supplies gas to the inflatable in order to maintain a desired inflatable volume and pressure for a relatively longer period of time. The inflator apparatus also includes a pyrotechnic inflator. The supplemental gas assembly and the pyrotechnic inflator can be activated at essentially the same time using the same initiator assembly. The supplemental gas assembly preferably has a stored gas that weighs less than 200 grams.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating an inflatable device, which apparatus includes a pressure vessel having a preformed opening feature and a method of fabricating a corresponding single chamber apparatus for inflating an inflatable device.

Abstract: A combination and a method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle in the event of a collision involving the vehicle. The combination has an inflatable bag for confining, when inflated, the disposition of the occupant in the vehicle, a container for holding pyrotechnic material, a housing having an inner surface, an interior volume and a seal for holding a gas at a first pressure, and opening at a second, higher pressure, wherein the gas is expansible when subjected to heat, an initiator for initiating the combustion of the pyrotechnic material upon the occurrence of a collision involving the vehicle, and a manifold, having a length, the manifold enveloping the housing and defining a passage with the housing. The manifold defines holes along the length of the manifold for introducing into the inflatable bag the gas flowing through the passage between the housing and the manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) includes a housing (12) and a container (50) mounted in the housing. A quantity of helium gas (52) is stored under pressure in the container (50). The apparatus (10) includes means (58) for opening the container (50) to enable flow of helium gas (52) out of the container into the housing (12). The housing (12) has wall portions (14, 16, 18, 20) for directing helium gas (52) flowing from the container (50) through an outlet (26) of the housing into the inflatable device (40) to inflate the inflatable device. The housing (12) has at least one aspiration opening (30, 32) for aspirating ambient air into the housing due to the flow of helium gas (52) to mix with the helium gas during flow of helium gas from the container (50) into the inflatable device (40).

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag that can adjust gas providing amount according to circumstances is provided.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic particles in a frangible container partially combust upon a vehicle collision. The partial combustion opens the container. The partially combusted particles thereafter combust almost instantaneously (e.g. 2-5 milliseconds) in a housing enveloping the container and holding a gas. The resultant gas expansion provides for a communication between the housing and an opening normally isolated from the housing as by a rupturable diaphragm. The gas flowing through the opening inflates a belt portion disposed diagonally across the occupant's chest and shoulder and attached to a vehicle support structure (e.g. a pillar behind the occupant's seat), thereby protecting the occupant's chest, body, neck and head. The inflatable belt portion is attached to a lap belt portion as by multiple stitching, some of which becomes progressively, but not completely, detached to dissipate the forces imposed on the inflatable belt portion by the belt portion inflation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a container (18) defining a chamber (16) containing fluid (14) under pressure. The container (18) has a first opening (34). A frangible portion (40) of the container (18) covers the first opening (34) and blocks fluid flow from the chamber (16). The apparatus (10) includes a second opening (50), spaced apart from the first opening (34), through which fluid can flow from the first opening to the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device. A cutter (90) is movable in a first direction for cutting the frangible portion (40) to release fluid to flow from the chamber (16) through the first opening (34) to the second opening (50). The cutter (90) is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction for allowing an increasing flow of fluid through the second opening (50) as the cutter moves in the second direction.

Abstract: Inflatable device inflation assemblies wherein a gas source material is released from an inflator apparatus into an inflatable device wherein the gas source material may, such as upon actuation of an initiator device situated within the inflatable device, dissociate or otherwise form gaseous products for the inflation of the inflatable device. An inflatable restraint system is also provided which includes a plurality of inflatable devices each operatively joined with a chamber which contains a dissociative gas source material. The system includes at least one first initiator effective upon actuation to initiate dissociation of the gas source material within a selected one of the plurality of inflatable devices.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a module housing, a covering, a gas bag, a gas generator, and at least one device for opening the covering so that an opening results. The covering is opened in the case of restraint by the device even before inflow of gas into the gas bag and the gas bag unfolds through the resulting opening.

Abstract: In order to allow for at least two different rates of air bag inflation a gas generator is provided with a single pyrotechnic charge which is disposed in a chamber in which argon or a similar type of non-toxic inert gas is stored under pressure. The chamber is closed off by two or more burst discs, only one of which is not exposed to a selectively ignitable squib. The non-exposed burst disc is arranged to breach when the pyrotechnic charge is ignited and increases the gas pressure in the chamber to a predetermined pressure. Each other disc is arranged to withstand the predetermined pressure and requires weakening by exposure to the heat from an associated squib before breaching will occur. The hybrid compressed gas/pyrotechnic pressure generation is such that the rate of air bag inflation varies essentially in proportion to the area of the exit port or ports which are opened by the breach of the burst disc or discs.

Abstract: An actuatable inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) includes a container (70) having a cup-shaped wall including a base portion (72) and a side wall portion (74). The container (70) is a one-piece structure. The base portion (72) and the side wall portion (74) at least partially define a combustion chamber (84) in the container (70). An ignitable material (110) in the combustion chamber (84), when ignited, rapidly increases the fluid pressure inside the combustion chamber. An electrically actuatable initiator (112) ignites the ignitable material (110). The base portion (72) of the cup-shaped wall includes a predefined rupture portion (90). The rupture portion (90) ruptures when the fluid pressure inside the combustion chamber (84) reaches a predetermined elevated fluid pressure level to form an orifice (120) through which the inflation fluid in the combustion chamber flows.

Abstract: An improved hybrid airbag inflator comprises a container for storing a compressed gas having a rupturable wall defining an exit opening. A pyrotechnic gas generator has an output directed into the container for adding heat and mass flow to the compressed gas in the container. A single initiator ruptures the rupturable wall and initiates the gas generator, preferably via a pyrotechnic delay train which initiates combustion of the gas generator after a predetermined delay, to provide for delayed onset of the high pressure gas generator input. The initiator is preferably an electric detonator that produces a self forging fragment to rupture the rupturable wall and initiate the pyrotechnic delay. The pyrotechnic generator may also have a second output directed into a manifold leading from the container to the airbag and entering the manifold downstream from the inlet nozzles that restrict the flow of compressed gas into the manifold.

Abstract: A background heat source unit 4 having a plurality of heat sources, which are arranged substantially at a fixed interval and set to a temperature different from the body temperature of passenger and also from the ambient temperature, and an infrared sensor 7, are disposed such that they face each other via a passenger. Whether a passenger is present is checked according to the result of a check, made by comparing a detected temperature pattern of the background heat source unit 4, detected by the infrared sensor 7, and a reference temperature pattern of the background heat source unit 4, preliminarily stored in a control circuit 17, as to whether a non-identical area is present in the compared temperature patterns.

Abstract: An initiator suitable for use with airbag passive restraint systems and which does not use pyrotechnic materials is disclosed. The initiator provides an electrically actuated igniter which ignites an adjacently stored non-pyrotechnic fluid combustible material which may comprise a mixture of a fluid fuel and a fluid oxidizer, a fluid monopropellant or a fluid exothermically decomposable material. A sub-assembly of the non-pyrotechnic initiator with a fuel containment chamber and inflators which use the non-pyrotechnic initiator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An airbag inflator assembly is disclosed that includes a container containing a charge of pressurized gas and having a peripheral surface surrounding an opening in the container. A burst disc member has one side capacitive discharge welded to the peripheral surface of the container to seal the opening and thus confine the pressurized gas within the container. An ignitor assembly includes an ignitor assembly housing and ignition elements constructed and arranged to generate sufficient force to break the seal formed by the burst disc member and release the pressurized gas from the container. The ignitor elements are disposed substantially within the ignitor assembly housing. The ignitor assembly housing is an integrally formed unitary construction capacitive discharge welded to a side of the burst disc member opposite to the one side.

Abstract: An inflator for a vehicle inflatable safety system comprising a housing configured to contain a gas generating material, an igniting assembly, and an activating assembly. The igniting assembly includes an actuator plate that is configured to ignite the gas generating material contained in the housing and backer plate. The backer plate is attached to the housing such that a seal is formed therebetween that is capable of substantially stopping the flow of the gas generated by the gas generating material in any direction other than the predetermined directions. The igniting assembly also comprises a booster cup, an ignition charge, and a percussion primer. The booster cup with a conical-shaped end surface with the percussion primer disposed therein proximate to the actuator plate for igniting the gas generating material. The actuator plate and the end surface of the booster cup are in contact only along the peripheral edges thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator, in particular for vehicle occupant restraint systems, has at least one combustion chamber containing propellant and at least one igniter for igniting the propellant. The igniter comprises an igniting material and is spaced from the combustion chamber and from the propellant. The gas generator further has a pressure chamber filled with compressed gas, a common outflow opening for the compressed gas and hot gas generated on deflagration of the propellant, and a bursting disc closing the outflow opening and being able to be destroyed on activation of the gas generator. The igniter is arranged upstream of the bursting disc. The igniter and the bursting disc are arranged relative to each other in such a manner and are adapted to each other in their physical and chemical characteristics such that the destruction of the bursting disc is exclusively effected by a deflagration of the ignition material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12) and a modular valve assembly (18). The inflator structure (12) defines an inflation fluid pressure chamber (15), a fluid exit opening (60), and a fluid flow path (62) extending between the chamber (15) and the exit opening (60). The modular valve assembly (18) has a plurality of parts that are interconnected separately from the inflator structure (12), including a metering member (182) and a tubular valve housing (180) containing and supporting the metering member (182) for movement within the valve housing (180). The modular valve assembly (18) has an installed position in which the valve housing (180) extends longitudinally across the flow path (62) defined by the inflator structure (12). The inflator structure (12) further defines a valve compartment (76) in which the valve housing (180) is receivable and movable longitudinally across the flow path (62) upon movement of the modular valve assembly (18) to its installed position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises an inflator structure (14) defining a primary chamber (18), a secondary chamber (48), a primary outlet (50) for enabling fluid flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber, and a secondary outlet (70) for directing fluid flow from the secondary chamber to the inflatable device. A primary burst disk (60) extends across the primary outlet (50). The primary burst disk (60) is rupturable in response to the pressure differential across the primary burst disk exceeding a first predetermined pressure differential. A secondary burst disk (80) extends across the secondary outlet (70) and is rupturable in response to the pressure differential across the secondary burst disk exceeding a second predetermined pressure differential. Inflation fluid (20) is stored at a first pressure in the primary chamber (18).

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle occupant restraint systems, with at least one combustion chamber containing propellant, and with at least one igniter arranged close to the propellant, for igniting the propellant is characterized in that the combustion chamber is separated from the igniter by an expansion chamber surrounding the igniter and provided for the gas developing on deflagration of the ignition material.

Abstract: In order to fill an inflatable safety restraint device such as an air bag, a relatively small pyrotechnic charge is used to pressurize a chamber of water or other suitable liquid and force the liquid out of the chamber and through a conduit in a manner wherein it is caused to intimately mix and atomize in a high speed stream of gas resulting from the combustion of the pyrotechnic charge. The heat of the combustion gas is absorbed by the liquid which is then converted into a large volume. The vaporized liquid and combustion gas is used to inflate the air bag with an essentially non-toxic, low temperature, low particulate atmosphere. The resulting combustion gas and liquid mixture may also be used to extinguish a fire.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system is provided. The hybrid inflator is configured to provide for efficient mixing of hot combustion gases from combustion of the propellant and other combustible materials with the cooler pressurized medium in the stored gas housing. The mixing of the combustion gases and the pressurized medium provides an output gas having a substantially uniform composition and temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12) and a pyrotechnic initiator (80). The inflator structure (12) defines an inflation fluid pressure chamber (15), and includes a closure structure (44) which closes the chamber (15). The closure structure (44) has a rupturable portion (48). A first body of pyrotechnic material (54) is mounted on the rupturable portion (48) of the closure structure (44). The initiator (80) is mounted on the inflator structure (12) separately from the first body of pyrotechnic material (54), and contains a second body of pyrotechnic material (88). When the second body of pyrotechnic material (88) is ignited, it produces combustion products that ignite the first body of pyrotechnic material (54).

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a container (12) having a chamber (14), and inflation fluid (16) under pressure in the chamber for inflating the inflatable device. The apparatus (10) includes an outlet opening (70) in the container (12) for directing inflation fluid (16) from the chamber (14) to the inflatable device. The apparatus (10) also includes an initiator (110) for, when ignited, producing combustion products (130). The apparatus (10) further includes a support member (30) for supporting the initiator means (110) adjacent to the chamber (14). An inlet opening (58) in the container (12) spaced apart from the outlet opening (70) directs combustion products (130) from the initiator (110) into the chamber (14). The apparatus (10) includes a single, one-piece burst disc (80) having a first portion (82) blocking the inlet opening (58) and a second portion (90) blocking the outlet opening (70).

Abstract: For rapid inflation of a gas bag a pressurized gas container has an outlet opening closed by a closure disc adapted to be blown off to free the outlet opening. An intermediate housing has an interior space which is divided by the closure disc into a pressure chamber provided with inlet openings for gaseous combustion products of a propellant charge and an outflow space having outlet openings for a gas mixture for filling the gas bag. A pair of propellant charges are separated from each other in a housing surrounding the intermediate housing. An accommodation space for the first propellant charge is directly connected with the pressure chamber through an open conduit. A conduit for communication of an accommodation space for the second propellant charge with the pressure chamber is closed by a closure element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a restraint device, in particular an impact cushion (airbag) for the protection of the occupants of a motor vehicle, with the following features. The restraint device is filled by an inert gas or gas mixture stored in a pressure container; the pressure container has an outlet opening which is closed by a burstable membrane; a module for opening the membrane is associated with the outlet opening; the module has an ignition unit; the igniter case is surrounded by a toroidal propellant chamber; for the ignition of the propellant stored in the propellant chamber, the igniter case has, in addition to axial nozzles, further nozzles directed radially outwards and finally a flow control is provided which directs the hot gas, produced by the propellant, onto the membrane.

Abstract: An airbag inflator includes a pair of telescoping pistons slidingly mounted within a housing. Pressurization of a combustion chamber by a pyrotechnic initiator acts on one piston to pressurize a hydraulic fluid chamber, which, in turn, acts on the other piston to pressurize a liquid propellant reservoir. Liquid propellant can then be regeneratively pumped from the reservoir into the combustion chamber for combustion to generate an airbag inflation gas. A hydraulic fluid damping chamber is utilized to exert a controllable retarding force on the one piston, such as to control the rate of airbag inflation gas generation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12), a rupturable closure member (48), and an initiator assembly (14). The inflator structure (12) defines a chamber (15) storing inflation fluid (16) at an elevated storage pressure. The closure member (48) is fixed and sealed to the inflator structure (12) to block the inflation fluid from flowing outward from the chamber (15), and is subjected to the storage pressure. The initiator assembly (14) includes pyrotechnic material (88) and a support structure (82, 84) which is mounted on the inflator structure. The support structure (82, 84) adjoins the closure member (48) in a load bearing relationship so as to transmit a storage pressure force from the closure member (48) to the inflator structure (12). When the pyrotechnic material (88) is ignited, it produces combustion products that rupture the support structure (82, 84).

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) includes a pressure vessel (16) containing inflation fluid, and a source of thermal energy which heats the inflation fluid. An initiator assembly (17), when actuated, initiates an outlet flow of the inflation fluid from the pressure vessel (16). The initiator assembly (17) includes a first actuatable device (18) which varies the degree to which the thermal energy can heat the inflation fluid, and further includes a second actuatable device (20) which causes the source to release the thermal energy to heat the inflation fluid. The initiator assembly (17) is actuated in a selected one of a plurality of differing stages. The differing stages correspond to a plurality of differing deployment conditions, and include a "softest" stage in which only the first actuatable device (18) is actuated.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a panel (56) and a patch (80) attached to the panel (56). The panel (56) has slits (62) defining inflation fluid vents. The patch (80) has slits (84) defining inflation vents in series with the vents in the panel (56).

Abstract: A vehicle's restraint system for passengers such as airbags, belt tighteners or similar devices to protect the passengers in case of a crash against injury includes a gas generator having a normally closed first housing including a solid fuel as a charge to generate gas. A closed second housing is provided, accommodating each of an evaluating circuit or sensor, triggering element and ignition structure. The closed second housing includes a portion which makes an active contact between the ignition structure in the second housing and the charge in the first housing. The two closed housings facilitate storage, assembly and environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus (16) includes a canister (72) defining a hermetically sealed combustion chamber (73). The combustion chamber (73) contains a source of inflation fluid in the form of a body (27) of ignitable gas generating material. The canister (72) has a cylindrical configuration with a longitudinal central axis (79) and first and second opposite end walls (76) and (78). The end walls (76) and (78) have predetermined rupturable portions (82) and (90) extending across the axis (79). An initiator assembly (28) is located outside the canister (72). When the initiator assembly (28) is actuated, it ruptures the rupturable portion (82) of the first end wall (76). It also projects pyrotechnic combustion products into the combustion chamber (73) along the axis (79) to ignite the body (27) of gas generating material in the combustion chamber (73). The rupturable portion (90) of the second end wall (78) is rupturable under a predetermined inflation fluid pressure force acting outward from the combustion chamber (73).

Abstract: A hybrid inflator, includes a storage chamber for storing a pressurized gas and a pyrotechnic heater assembly which has a solid gas generating material within a combustion chamber. Forming the outer layer of the pyrotechnic heater assembly is a diffuser, which is inserted into the storage vessel. A closure provides a pressure seal between the storage chamber and the combustion chamber. Upon receiving a control signal, an igniter ignites the solid gas generating material. The closure ruptures, allowing a mixture of hot generated gas and stored gas to discharge through the diffuser and flow into a vehicle occupant restraint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for igniting a pyrotechnic gas generator, or inflator, such as those used in automotive airbag systems is disclosed. The ignition system uses a flammable gas to ignite the pyrotechnic gas generant. The flammable gas can be stored either throughout interior free space in the inflator or it can be maintained in a separate sealed container either separately or jointly with the pyrotechnic gas generant. The method and apparatus offer both cost savings and a reduction in delay time over conventional pyrotechnic ignition systems.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a pressure vessel (16) and an initiator assembly (18). The pressure vessel (16) defines first and second chambers (20, 22). A first combustible mixture in the first chamber (20) includes fuel gas at a first volume percentage. A second combustible mixture of gases in the second chamber (22) includes fuel gas at a second, greater volume percentage. The initiator assembly (18) includes a first igniter (26) which is actuatable to ignite the first combustible mixture. The initiator assembly (18) further includes a second igniter (28) which is actuatable to ignite the second combustible mixture. A controller (30) actuates the initiator assembly (18) in a selected one of a plurality of differing stages corresponding to a plurality of differing conditions. The differing stages of actuation include a stage in which the first igniter (26) is actuated and the second igniter (28) is not actuated.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device wherein a solid fuel material and nitrous oxide are stored in intimate contact and, when properly actuated, react to produce inflation gas for use in inflating the inflatable device.