Abstract: An inflator apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device which rely on the formation and subsequent reaction of acetylene are provided.

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle occupant restraint systems, has a housing with chambers provided therein, of which at least one chamber is filled with gas and at least one chamber is filled with propellant the gas generator further has at least one igniter for igniting the propellant. The igniter cap is secured in a gas- and pressure-tight manner by welding to a closure part which closes an opening in the housing.

Abstract: An air bag inflator (10) includes a housing (20) and an inflation fluid source (140) in the housing actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure. The housing (20) is deformable due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (140). The housing (20) has a fluid outlet (52) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. A control passage (160) is located between the inflation fluid source (140) and the fluid outlet (52). The control passage (160) has a smaller flow area than the fluid outlet (52). The inflator (10) further includes portions (84, 82, 110, 42) for causing substantially all inflation fluid flowing between the inflation fluid source (140) and the fluid outlet (52) to flow through the control passage (160). The flow area of the control passage (160) increases due to deformation of the housing (20).

Abstract: A gas generator is provided which is less likely to suffer from damages or peeling-off of a protruding seal tape during assembling of the generator, thus surely assuring a moisture preventive effect by the seal tape.In the gas generator for an air bag, a recess is formed in a portion of a partition wall that divides a housing into an ignition means storage chamber that stores igniting means and a gas generating agent storage means that stores a gas generating agent, or in a portion of a housing, to which a seal tape is attached to close through-holes formed through the partition walls or housing. The depth and width of the recess are equal to or larger than the thickness and width of the seal tape. The seal tape is attached such that its side edge portions are received in the recess, so as to close the through-holes.

Abstract: An improved adaptive output inflator is provided wherein inflator performance, such as measured by inflator gas output, can be appropriately varied and selected by appropriately varying and selecting the operational oxidant composition of the inflator.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator including a torus-shaped stored gas housings and a central housing assembly extending through a central portion thereof. An activation assembly is disposed at one end of the central housing assembly. A diffuser assembly is located at its opposite end. The central housing assembly has a gas generator containing a propellant. The stored gas housing contains a pressurized medium that is used with the ignited propellant to provide gases to an inflatable. When the propellant is ignited, the force of the generated gas opens a closure disk adjacent to the diffuser assembly.

Abstract: An improved ignition system for inflators such as those used in airbag passive restraint systems is disclosed. A breakable seal is provided in a storage chamber for a combustible fluid. Upon activation of an initiator the breakable seal is opened and the combustible fluid flows from the storage chamber into a combustion chamber where it is ignited to provide an enhanced volume of heated gas. The heated gas may be used either to directly inflate an associated inflatable apparatus or it may be used to first heat a further compressed gas and the combined gases used to inflate an inflatable apparatus. The breakable seal may be opened by a piston driven plunger. The design of the components of the ignition system provides control over the inflation characteristics.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped hybrid inflator comprising: a pressure vessel filled with pressurized inflation gas, comprising a center body (22) having a first (24a) and a second (24b) end, a first exit orifice (29) located between the first and second end, a frangible disk (32) closing the orifice (29) and a pyrotechnic element for causing the disk to rupture and permit inflation gas to exit the orifice; a first cylindrical portion (50) sealingly attached to the first end and a second cylindrical portion sealing attached to the second end.

Abstract: This inflator of this invention includes a casing with a chamber containing an oxidizer gas. An exit port is located at one end of the casing which is closed by a burst disk. An exit tube extends into the chamber from the exit port to provide an orderly path for generated gases to leave the chamber. A fuel cell holding a liquid fuel is located at another end of the casing. A piston is driven in the fuel cell by gases from an igniter to drive the liquid fuel into the chamber. An igniter channel interconnects a region containing hot gases from the igniter to a region in the chamber where the liquid fuel and the oxidizer gas are mixed together. An injector tube conveys the fuel from a discharge end of the liquid fuel cell to a combustion region adjacent the igniter channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (2) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of sudden vehicle deceleration. The apparatus (2) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (4) and an inflator (10, 110) having a chamber (42, 142). A stored inflation fluid (44, 144) for inflating the restraint (4) is disposed in the chamber (42, 142). A device for controlling flow of the inflation fluid (44, 144) from the chamber (42, 142) to the restraint (4) is provided. The device includes a member (40, 200) which has a first mechanical strength when no electric current is applied to the member and a second mechanical strength lower than the first mechanical strength when electric current is applied to the member.

Abstract: An airbag inflator comprises a housing having an interior and gas outlet ports communicating with the interior and open to outside the housing. First and second divider walls separate at least two gas chambers from the interior. A pressurized combustible gaseous mixture is stored in each gas chamber. An initiator is disposed within each gas chamber and actuatable to ignite the pressurized combustible gaseous mixture.

Abstract: An airbag inflator comprises a housing having an interior and gas outlet ports communicating with the interior and open to outside the housing. First and second divider walls separate an inflation gas chamber and an initiator gas chamber from the interior. A pressurized inflation gas is stored in the inflation gas chamber. A pressurized combustible gaseous mixture is stored in the initiator gas chamber. An initiator is disposed within the initiator gas chamber and actuatable to ignite the pressurized combustible gaseous mixture. The second divider wall defining the initiator gas chamber is supported by the pressurized combustible gaseous mixture and resiliently deformable to force the first divider wall to rupture, permitting a flow of the pressurized inflation gas from the housing though the gas outlet port in response to actuation of the initiator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a gas container that via a filling opening is connected to an air bag of an impact of protection unit for the interior of a motor vehicle are provided. The tip of an electrode, which is under spring pressure, contacts the safety disc, thereby achieving a rapid, point-type beginning of melting of the safety disc followed by an intensive electric arc of constant length and high penetration speed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure vessel with a closure structure (14) including a part (62) consisting of a single, continuous body of homogeneous metal material. The part (62) has a plurality of fluid outlet openings (22), a fluid outlet conduit (88) communicating with the outlet openings (22), and a pocket (100) separate from the outlet conduit (88). The pocket (100) has a closed inner end (116) defined by a thin wall portion (120) of the part (62). An initiator (40) is received in the pocket (100), and is actuatable to rupture the thin wall portion (120) of the part (62). In a preferred embodiment, a retainer structure (102) holds the initiator (40) in the pocket (100). The retainer structure (102) and the part (62) have adjoining, unthreaded surfaces (160, 108) engaging each other in an interference fit which is tight enough to hold the retainer structure (102) and the initiator (40) in the pocket (100) when the initiator (40) is actuated.

Abstract: An inflator for a safety restraint system includes a gas storage vessel having a mouth, and a diffuser extending outwardly from the mouth and defining gas outlet ports. A combustion chamber having a flared open end is secured to the gas storage vessel peripherally adjacent the mouth and defines throttle orifices for releasing inflation gas from the gas storage vessel. A breakaway closure member is secured across the mouth of the gas storage vessel and the open end of the combustion chamber housing, the breakaway closure member including a periphery ring, a translating boss having an initiator mounted therethrough and a skirt slidingly received in the open end of the combustion chamber housing, and a frangible web connecting the boss to the periphery ring. The combustion chamber housing further defines exhaust ports opening to the gas storage vessel, and contains combustible material, which may be pyrotechnic gas generator or fluid fuel.

Abstract: Apparatuses for inflating inflatable devices and associated methods of leak detection relying on the inclusion of a radioactive isotope leak trace material.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator having a quantity of stored gas in a pressure vessel, and a quantity of gas generant stored within a generant housing having at least one port in its longitudinal end. Within the generant housing the gas generant is retained within a porous sleeve. This sleeve is spaced inward from the non-porous generant housing, such that a free flow area is formed between the sleeve and the generant housing. The inflation gas created by the gas generant will thus flow radially outward through the sleeve, and then be turned to flow longitudinally toward the port(s) in the generant housing. Providing the free flow area reduces the pressure drop across the generant sleeve, resulting in less slag being forced through the sleeve to be entrained within the created gas flow. Additionally, the changes in direction forced upon the created gas flow to exit the generant housing cause additional amounts of slag to be removed from the created gas flow. This results in a hybrid inflator having reduced solid emissions.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) containing fluid (18) under pressure has a first part (38) which is formed of aluminum. An igniter housing (110) comprises a tubular part (112) with a reputable end wall (122) subjected to the pressure of the fluid (18). The tubular part (112) contains an igniter (40) which, when actuated, ruptures the end wall (122). The igniter housing (110) is formed of steel, and is fixed to the first part (38) of the pressure vessel (10) by a friction weld (150). The friction weld (150) blocks the fluid (18) from leaking outward from between the igniter housing (110) and the first part (38) of the pressure vessel (10).

Abstract: An inflator for an airbag system has a target mounted in the pressurized gas contained in the inflator. An ultrasonic transducer is mounted on an external surface of the inflator in alignment with the target. The transducer generates and receives reflected ultrasonic signals from the target. The time-of-flight of the signals which are dependent on the gas pressure are used to determine the gas pressure in the inflator. Temperature compensation is provided by fabricating the target of bimetallic material which changes the spacing of the target from the transducer with temperature or providing a temperature sensitive element, e.g. a thermocouple to electrically provide temperature compensation.

Abstract: An impact absorbing garment is shown having a number of inflatable compartments attached to the garment. A source of pressurized gas is mounted to a manifold assembly also attached to the garment. The manifold assembly includes internal passageways connecting a gas inlet that receives gas from the source of pressurized gas to a gas outlet. Tubing attached to the garment connects the manifold assembly gas outlet to the inflatable compartments. The manifold assembly also houses a gas release valve. A toggle link mechanism supported within the manifold assembly provides a mechanical advantage by reducing the force required to maintain the gas release valve in a closed position against high pressure gas at the gas inlet. An electric solenoid moves a slide member to release the toggle link mechanism and open the gas release valve when an electrical circuit is closed between the solenoid valve and an electrical power source attached to the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a container (302) defining a primary combustion chamber (333), a secondary combustion chamber (343), and a gas flow path (312) extending from the primary combustion chamber (333) to the exterior (345) of the container (302) through the secondary combustion chamber (343). The container (302) has first and second opposite end walls (308, 310), and further has inner and outer tubular wall structures (304, 306) extending longitudinally from one to the other of the end walls (308, 310). The secondary combustion chamber (343) has an annular shape defined between the tubular wall structures (304, 306). The primary combustion chamber (333) is one of a pair of primary combustion chambers (333, 335) having cylindrical shapes defined within the inner tubular wall structure (304).

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) includes a container (26) with a closed storage chamber (28) containing a combustible mixture of gases. The apparatus (10) further includes first and second initiators (18, 20). The first initiator (18), when actuated, first opens the storage chamber and then ignites the combustible mixture of gases. The second initiator (20), when actuated, also ignites the combustible mixture of gases. The first and second initiators (18, 20) are actuated in a selected one of a plurality of differing stages which correspond to a plurality of differing deployment conditions.

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle passive restraint systems, is constructed without pyrotechnical components for gas production, gas release, or gas heating. The gas generator includes a compressed gas container having an opening that is releasably closed by a closure such as a burst diaphragm, and at least one electrical and/or magnetic device arranged to destroy or release the closure upon triggering. It is also possible to achieve gas heating without the use of pyrotechnical components by coupling electrical and/or magnetic energy from the electrical and/or magnetic device into the gas container and particularly into the gas contained therein.

Abstract: An improvement in an airbag system for a motor vehicle relating to an adaptive output fluid fueled airbag inflator and method of operation thereof are provided. Such an inflator, in addition to a stored gas chamber, a combustion chamber wherein, upon actuation, a first fluid fuel and an oxidant are burned, and a first initiator device for initiating the combustion of the first fuel and the at least one oxidant, includes a combination of a fluid fuel container, which holds a supply of a second fluid fuel, and a second initiator device for initiating the combustion of the second fuel. Various selected performance levels can be obtained through the proper selection, actuation and sequencing of actuation of the initiator devices and burning of fuels contained within the inflator.

Abstract: A device for rapidly inflating an airbag. The airbag is accommodated in a steering wheel. The device has a housing, a compressed-gas container, a pyrotechnical propellant, a primer, a thruster, and a rupture disk. The propellant and the primer are accommodated in the housing. The housing also accommodates a gas-combining chamber with an outlet to the airbag and a part between the compressed-gas container and the gas-combining chamber and closed off by the rupture disk. The thruster destroys the rupture disk when the propellant ignites, allowing the combined gaseous products of the combustion of the propellant and the gas to escape into the airbag. The compressed-gas container is tubular and can be accommodated coaxial with or inside the steering-wheel column. The outlet to the airbag and the port in the housing comprise bores in the housing that essentially parallel the axis of the steering-wheel column.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging gas from a bottle of compressed gas include a compressed gas release having on that bottle a compressed gas outlet having a closed position and an alternative open position. A shuttle has a first position spaced from that compressed gas outlet before and after opening of such compressed gas outlet and has a second position at such compressed gas outlet. The shuttle includes a temporary compressed gas flow restriction at the compressed gas outlet in the alternative open position of such compressed gas outlet. A system for discharging gas from a bottle of compressed gas closes such bottle with a burst diaphragm, subsequently penetrates such burst diaphragm, momentarily reduces flow of compressed gas from the bottle at the penetrated burst diaphragm, and thereafter removes the reduction of flow of compressed gas from the bottle at the penetrated burst diaphragm.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus (10) for use in inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a pressure vessel (14) for containing a combustible mixture of gases. A combustible mixture (18) of gases is contained within the pressure vessel. The combustible mixture (18) of gases comprises a combustible fuel gas mixture, an oxidizer gas for supporting combustion of the fuel gas mixture, and an inert gas. The fuel gas mixture comprises hydrogen gas and a hydrocarbon gas. The hydrogen gas comprises about 84 to about 96 molar percent of the fuel gas mixture. The hydrocarbon gas comprises about 4 to about 16 molar percent of the fuel gas mixture. An actuatable igniter (12) is provided for igniting the combustible mixture (18) of gases in the pressure vessel (14). Gas is enabled to flow from the pressure vessel (14) into the vehicle occupant protection device (12).

Abstract: An improvement in an air bag system for a motor vehicle relating to a multiple level fluid fueled air bag inflator and method of operation thereof are provided. Such a multiple level inflator includes a stored gas chamber, a combustion chamber wherein, upon actuation, a fluid fuel and an oxidant are burned, an opener to open the stored gas chamber and an initiator device to initiate the burning of the fluid fuel and oxidant in the combustion chamber. Various performance levels can be obtained through the proper selected actuation and sequencing of actuation of the opener and the initiator device.

Abstract: To achieve a reduced inflation rate of an airbag in a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus, an airbag inflator is provided with a seal ring acting, in response to initial pressurization by a pyrotechnic initiator, to open injection ports, such that liquid propellant may be regeneratively pumped by a piston from a reservoir into a combustion chamber for combustion. The resulting combustion gases flow through a series of swirl chambers to increase residence time and through a plenum chamber where the combustion gases are cooled. The combustion gases exit the plenum chamber as an airbag inflation gas.

Abstract: A compressed gas inflator to be used in passive restraint airbag systems is disclosed. The inflator includes a manifold which discharges the inflation gas in the direction the airbag cushion is intended to inflate, resulting in less damage being inflicted on the airbag cushion during inflation and more consistent airbag inflation performance.

Abstract: A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for filling an empty flexible container such as an airbag with gas essentially instantaneously when the system or vehicle utilizing such system is subjected to sufficient deceleration forces, such as experienced during a collision. The gas-filled container functions as a force absorbing cushion which protects occupants in the vehicle against injuries. The system includes pressure vessels filled with gas under high pressure, one or more conduits connecting the pressure vessels with the flexible container, provisions for opening the connection between the pressure vessels and the flexible container upon sensing retardation or deceleration forces that exceed some threshold value, a container holding or mixing device, and a retardation meter. The pressure vessels are each sealed by a closure device and each has a respective connection conduit which joins the pressure vessels to the flexible container. One pressure vessel contains oxygen and an inert gas.

Abstract: A hybrid air bag system which has a simple internal structure and can be manufactured at a low cost is disclosed. The hybrid inflator is positioned within a first container. The first container is composed of a rupturable cover and a bottom plate. The hybrid inflator has a second container defining a first chamber. The first chamber is filled with a quantity of compressed gas, and then is sealed. A pyrotechnic heater of the hybrid inflator contains a pyrotechnic charge and a squib therein. The pyrotechnic heater generates high temperature combustion products by burning a pyrotechnic charge contained within a second chamber, a booster charge, and a gas generating material contained within a third chamber. Combustion products push upwardly against a lower end surface of an operation pin which is elastically supported by a plate spring and is slidable and vertically positioned within a fourth chamber. Then, the operation pin ruptures a burst disk sealing the first chamber.

Abstract: An improved inflator wherein a flowing combustible fluid is combusted in a combustion zone defined by diverging walls is disclosed. The improved inflator provides enhanced consistency of operation thereby permitting the use of lighter components while avoiding deployments which produce excessive "bag slap".

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in a device and in a process for reducing the amounts of carbon monoxide and any oxides of nitrogen in an airbag inflated by a pyrotechnic inflator by exposing the combustion gases released by the explosion of the inflator, wherein carbon monoxide has been to a large extent oxidized to carbon dioxide with a first oxidizing agent, to a catalytic activation system of a supported palladium(II) salt in contact with a thermally stable second oxidizing agent, preferably an organic heteropolyanion capable of donating oxygen. In the device, the oxidant and the catalyst are protected by a thin, impermeable sheet from contact with surrounding atmosphere to prevent progressive deactivation prior to use.

Abstract: An apparatus (24) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) comprises a container (40) which defines a chamber (42) for material which effects inflation of the protection device. The container (40) includes an opening (60) of a flow area through which fluid flows to inflate the protection device (22). A rupturable closure (64) blocks fluid flow through the opening (60) in the container (40). A first actuatable initiator (164), upon actuation, effects the rupture of the closure (64). A member (120) is movable from a first position in which the flow of fluid through the opening (60) is unrestricted when the closure (64) is ruptured. The member (120) is movable to a second position in which fluid flow through the opening (60) is restricted by a portion of the member to reduce the flow area of the opening. A second actuatable initiator (162), upon actuation, moves the member (120) from the first position to the second position and effects the rupture of the closure (64).

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for a vehicle airbag module produces an initial release of essentially unheated, stored, pressurized gas from the gas storage chamber of the inflator by way of a projectile, releasable from a nozzle opening in a combustion chamber housing upon combustion of a gas-generating combustible material housed within the combustion chamber housing, which ruptures and passes through a frangible burst element retaining the stored, pressurized gas in the gas storage chamber of the inflator, thereby permitting, initially, the unheated, stored, pressurized gas to discharge through the ruptured burst element and flow externally past the combustion chamber housing in an isolation housing and then to exit the inflator through gas exhaust ports in the inflator.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating an inflatable device, methods for inflating an inflatable safety device and a method of manufacturing an apparatus for inflating an inflatable device are provided having a fuel containment assembly to contain a fuel in the form of a fluid. The fuel, upon proper initiation, is burned to produce gas used in the inflation of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (12) contains a source of inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (11). The pressure vessel (12) includes a surface (52) which defines a passage (54) for inflation fluid to flow from the pressure vessel (12) into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A device (68 and/or 96) inside the pressure vessel (12) sends or receives electrical signals. An energy transmitting device (70) transmits energy into or out of the pressure vessel (12) through a wall portion (24) of the pressure vessel (12). The energy transmitting device (70) includes a first portion (72) outside the pressure vessel (12) and a second portion (74) inside the pressure vessel (12). One of the first and second portions (72, 74) of the energy transmitting device (70) converts the energy into electrical current. The second portion (74) of the energy transmitting device (70) is electrically connected with the device inside the pressure vessel (12).

Abstract: An air bag inflator (20) comprises a container (40) defining a chamber (48) for storing inflation fluid at a first pressure. A rupturable closure or rupture disk (102) extends across an opening (60) in the container (40). Each one of a pair of inflation fluid heating assemblies (122, 124) is located in the chamber (48) and includes an actuatable igniter (222) and an ignitable material (168). The igniter (222) in one inflation fluid heating assembly (122) upon actuation, ignites the ignitable material (168) in the one inflation fluid heating assembly to produce combustion products. The combustion products heat the inflation fluid and increase the pressure of the inflation fluid in the chamber (48) to a second pressure to rupture the rupture disk (102).

Abstract: Hybrid inflators for an inflatable safety system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hybrid inflator uses a dual function initiator in that the combustion products from the initiator both ignite the propellant by direct contact therewith and propel a projectile through a outlet closure disk to release the stored pressurized medium. In another embodiment, the hardware configuration of the hybrid inflator allows the propellant to be loaded into the inflator after all hardware connections proximate the propellant, which require a weld, have in fact been welded. In another embodiment, the main inflator outlet closure disk is disposed at substantially a mid portion of the inflator. In another embodiment, the propellant gases are required to flow from the combustion chamber and into the stored gas housing prior to exiting the inflator, such by using a projectile to rupture the main inflator outlet closure disk and to thereafter seal the gas generator.

Abstract: A passenger side airbag module is provided with walls for diverting the excess portion of the gas generated by an inflator during an above normal temperature deployment of the air bag cushion so that over-pressurization of the air bag cushion does not occur.

Abstract: A rapid gas/fluid deploying apparatus for use in a variety of inflating and dispersing applications includes a superatmospheric pressure compressed gas/fluid storage container which is equipped with an explosively rupturable membrane surface element and an explosively rupturing micro miniature charge assembly. When the explosive charge is detonated a pressure equilibrating force compels the gas or fluid into/onto a receiving volume or target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device adaptable to a variety of fuels and oxidants wherein a fluid fuel is burned to produce hot gas, with the hot gas undergoing a reversal in direction of flow and mixing with stored, pressurized gas to produce inflation gas containing little or no particulate.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a vehicle steering wheel (14) with a rim (16), a spoke (18), and a hub (20). The hub (20) includes a tank structure (28) defining a storage chamber (29) containing inflation fluid under pressure. The tank structure (28) transmits steering torque from the rim (16) and the spoke (18) to a vehicle steering shaft (22).

Abstract: An apparatus (20, 220) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises a first container (22, 222) defining a first chamber (24, 224) for inflation fluid. The first container (22, 222) has an opening (26, 226) through which inflation fluid may flow to inflate the protection device. A rupturable closure (28, 228) extends across the opening (26, 226) in the first container (22, 222) to block fluid flow through the opening. A second container (68, 268) defines a second chamber (70, 270). A plate (82, 282) is located between the first chamber (24, 224) and the second chamber (70, 270) and has a passage (84, 84a, 284 or 284a) which allows fluid communication between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: Safety apparel, particularly, but not exclusively, for motorcyclists, equestrians and other unprotected persons comprises inflatable, shock-absorbing pads. Inflation of the pads is effected with the aid of a gas-delivering arrangement (5) which includes a container (19) which is sealed by means of a sealing plate (20) and which contains compressed or liquiefied gas, a small explosive charge (22), means (6, 30) for detonating the explosive charge in the event of an accident, and further comprises a device (21) which is activated by the explosive charge so as to penetrate the sealing plate (22). the explosive charge (22) is intended to be detonated by means of a striking pin (23) operated by a spring (37). Means (6, 30) are arranged for storing the energy required herefor in the spring as a result of a relative motion between the wearer (2) of the protective apparel (4) and a motorcycle, a horse or the like caused by an accident.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator apparatus (10) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises a container (12). A gas (30) is stored in the container (12) under pressure. A body (80) of ignitable material is stored within the apparatus (10), also under pressure. An igniter (50, 60) ignites the body (80) of ignitable material. The body (80) of ignitable material consists essentially of a solid organic polymer which is self-combustible at the pressure under which it is stored. Preferably, the organic polymer is self-extinguishing at atmospheric pressure and is formed, for instance by extrusion or molding, into a shape comprising at least one passage extending through the body. A preferred organic polymer is a cured glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The stored gas (30) preferably comprises an inert gas which may be mixed with a small amount of oxygen.

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. The pyrotechnic generator may also have a second output directed into a manifold leading from the container to the airbag, the second output entering the manifold downstream from the inlet nozzles that restrict the flow of compressed gas into the manifold. Adding the second output directly to the manifold increases the energy content of the gas filling the airbag without physically changing the size of the inlet nozzles, thereby allowing a readily controllable staged flow of gases into the airbag. A single initiator ruptures the rupturable wall and initiates the gas generator, either directly or via a pyrotechnic delay train which initiates combustion of the gas generator after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: A passenger air bag inflator using pressurized inert gas upon initial deployment to provide cool gas to the folded air bag. After the bag has started to unfold, the remaining gas is provided by pyrotechnic gas generant. Pyrotechnic gas expands against a piston. The piston compresses the inert gas and forces it to exhaust from the inflator. Upon expulsion of the inert gas, the piston then becomes a filter for the pyrotechnic. The system provides a reduction in air bag stresses from fast hot gas deployments.