Abstract: A retainer case (4) has a lower portion (4a) defining a gas diffusion chamber (5), and an upper portion (4c) cooperating with an intermediate portion (4b) to define an accommodation chamber (6), a diffuser member (15) separates the gas diffusion chamber (5) from the air bag accommodation chamber (6), with gas communication allowed therebetween through a gas inlet (16) of the diffuser member (15), an infaltor (11) is disposed in the gas diffusion chamber (5), an airbag (8) is accommodated in the accommodation chamber (6), having a retained part (8b) in a space (S1) between the intermediate portion (4b) and the diffuser member (15), and an inward projection (18) of the intermediate portion (4b) and an inward projection (17) of the diffuser member (15) constitute a gas invasion restricting structure (17+18) for restricting a gas invasion from the gas diffusion chamber (5) into the space (S1).

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a gas generator, an airbag which can be inflated by means of a pressurized gas flow that can be supplied by the gas generator. The airbag module further comprises a housing that has a generator chamber to accommodate the gas generator and an airbag chamber to accommodate the airbag. A deformable dividing wall is provided between the generator chamber and the airbag chamber, the dividing wall having outlet openings and being adapted to be deformed by the pressurized gas flow from a resting state into a working state in which the dividing wall forms a guide channel for the pressurized gas flow flowing out of the gas generator.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a sensor (86) for sensing a vehicle crash. An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) has a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (38) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (12). A housing (16) directs inflation fluid under pressure from the inflation fluid source (38) toward the inflatable device (12) upon actuation of the inflation fluid source. The housing (16) has at least one burst panel (44) attached to the housing. Initiating means (76), when actuated, enables the at least one burst panel (44) to detach from the housing (16) to a condition spaced apart from the housing to enable flow of inflation fluid out of the housing through an opening (74) in the housing.

Abstract: A device for inflating an airbag comprising a container for a compressed gas of a sealing device, which closes the container during normal operation and is provided in a gas release nozzle connected to the container in a gas tight manner, and a throttle opening, via which the released gas flows in a throttled manner out of the container via an emission opening and the gas release nozzle, whereby the throttle opening is formed through reshaping of a container wall part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising an accommodation housing for a gas bag, a gas generator and a cup-shaped diffusor which surrounds the gas generator and delimits an accommodation space for the gas bag. The diffusor has a radial flange by which it is fastened directly to the accommodation housing and which forms a ring-shaped base closing the accommodation housing. The diffusor projects into an interior of the accommodation housing and forms a gas generator space which is open from a base side of the diffusor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional airbag for a vehicle having a main panel having a generally elongated shape. The main panel includes a pair of generally symmetric first portions extending from opposite sides of a fold line and a pair of second portions. A subpanel is secured to the main panel to form a hollow body. The first portions of the main panel are joined to each other along their edges. The edges of the second portions are secured to the edge of the subpanel to close the open front end of the hollow body to form an air bag. The air bag may further include at least one of a baffle for controlling the flow of air within the bag during inflation and a tether assembly for controlling the opening of the air bag.

Abstract: An air bag is formed of a panel portion with a gas introducing port, a partition wall situated inside the panel portion for partitioning an inside of the panel portion into a first chamber located on a front side of an automobile and a second chamber located on a rear side of the automobile, a gas passage situated between the first chamber and the second chamber, and at least one vent hole formed in the panel portion at the second chamber. An air bag device includes, in addition to the air bag, a retainer for retaining the air bag, an inflator for expanding the air bag, and a lid for covering the retainer. In case a collision speed is small or the passenger is relatively small, the passenger can be received by the air bag with a soft touch. In case the collision speed is large or the passenger is large, the passenger can be securely received by the first and second chambers.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises a storage container (30), a primary inflation fluid under pressure in a gaseous state in the container, and a secondary inflation fluid under pressure in the container. The container (30) is openable to enable the primary inflation fluid to flow out of the container into the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device (14). At least a portion of the secondary inflation fluid is in a non-gaseous state in the container (30) during flow of the primary inflation fluid into the inflatable device. The portion of the secondary inflation fluid in the non-gaseous state thereafter changing to the gaseous state and flowing into the inflatable device to maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.

Abstract: A one-piece housing that can be manufactured in one operation for an inflatable air bag in a motor vehicle is described, in which the housing has two chambers, one of which accommodates the air bag module and the other is a diffusor chamber with chamber walls having gas passage openings, into which the gas generator is introduced. Reinforcing ribs of the housing are made in one piece with the diffusor chamber wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module comprising a gas generator, diffuser and a gas bag. The invention is characterized in that the gas generator (5) is arranged in a diffuser (1) or housing of the gas generator with a stepped structure when seen in a longitudinal section. The diffuser (1) or the housing of the gas generator extends in the lower region of the side wall (2) at a distance from the gas generator (5). The lower region of the side wall (2) extends beyond the gas generator (5) in the direction of the occupant. The diffuser (1) or the housing of the gas generator (5) has a smaller cross-section than the gas generator (5). Openings (6,16) through which the gas from the gas generator flows into the gas bag (10) are arranged in a perpendicular position to the occupant. The upper (4) and lower (2) regions of the side wall are connected to each other by at least one deformable center area (3) of the side wall.

Abstract: Pressurized gas from a gas source for inflating one or more vehicle airbags is routed along a path that includes at least a portion of the air-conditioning ducts of the vehicle. In one arrangement a pressurized gas hose is routed through the ducts. In another arrangement the pressurized gas flows through a portion of the air conditioner ducts that is isolated by valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective assembly used in the field of motor vehicle safety to protect an occupant of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision. The protective assembly comprises a module itself containing a gas generator, an external deflector and an air bag initially folded around the generator, characterized in that: i) the generator comprises a body of tubular overall shape which has a side wall bearing discharge orifices distributed around the circumference of the side wall, the latter having a circular cross section, the outside perimeter of which has a length L, ii) the external deflector can expand and is made using a metal strip which is 2L long, iii) the discharge orifices are initially covered by the expanding external deflector which closely surrounds the side wall.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect a vehicle occupant. An inflator (14) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (12). A retainer (40) is connected with the protection device (12). One of the inflator (14) and the retainer (40) is movable between a first condition blocking venting of inflation fluid from the apparatus (10) and a second condition venting inflation fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus (10) includes an electrically energizable mechanism (80) to release the one of the inflator (14) and the retainer (40) for movement from the first condition to the second condition to vent inflation fluid from the apparatus.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (10) comprises flexible material defining an inflation fluid volume (42) for receiving inflation fluid. The material includes a first panel portion (30) on which is located a set of first points (A-D) and a second panel portion (40) on which is located a set of second points (A′-D′). A rupturable stitching section (50) holds the set of first points (A-D) closely adjacent the set of second points (A′-D′) when the device (10) is in the deflated condition and when the device is in a partially inflated condition. The rupturable stitching section (50) is rupturable in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined force in response to inflation of the protection device (10). Rupturing of the stitching section (50) enables movement of the first panel portion (30) away from the second panel portion (40), thereby enabling movement of the device (10) from the partially inflated condition to a fully inflated condition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical gas generator, preferably for an airbag system, consists of a housing, an ignition unit, a gas generating mixture, a conically shaped cooling system (or cooling and filtering system) tapering in the discharge direction, a gas generating mixture disposed within the cooling system. The housing is preferably one piece and tubular. The combustion gases are discharged through exit ports arranged radially, axially or diagonally on a side of the housing opposite the ignition unit. The cooling system (or cooling and filtering system) separates the gas generator into a combustion chamber, which contains the gas generating mixture and in which a gas is generated by burning the gas generating mixture, and an outflow chamber, through which the cooled (and optionally filtered) gas can flow and the exit through the exit ports.

Abstract: An air bag device that includes an air bag cushion, a diffuser canister, and a gas generation inflator. The diffuser canister is attached to the air bag cushion and has walls configured to define an interior space therein. The walls of the diffuser canister have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a wall thickness t. At least one of the walls has an aperture formed therethrough in communication with the interior of the air bag cushion. The gas generation inflator is configured to rapidly create a gas that exits the diffuser canister through the aperture so as to fill the air bag cushion. The aperture is defined by an edge extending between the interior and said exterior surfaces of the wall that is configured to diffuse the gas exiting the diffuser canister through the aperture.

Abstract: A gas bag arrangement for a motor vehicle safety system is provided. A gas generator is disposed in a housing to which is connected an airbag that is unfolded and inflated by gas produced by the gas generator and guided to a gas discharge area of the housing. A first partial discharge area of the gas discharge area is formed by a discharge part that projects from the housing into the airbag. A second partial discharge area is formed by openings disposed about a location where the discharge part is attached to the housing. Two partial flows of gas from the gas generator are separately directed, in the same direction, onto the material of the airbag. The first and second partial discharge areas are staggered relative to the airbag when viewed in a direction of discharge of gas from the housing.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporating staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gases having a composition suitable for use as automobile airbag inflator.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (18) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A housing (16) directs inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (18) toward the protection device (14). The apparatus (10) includes a vent opening (30) in the housing (16) for selectively venting inflation fluid from the housing. The apparatus (10) also includes a member (50) movable between a closed position blocking venting of inflation fluid from the housing (16) and an open position enabling venting of inflation fluid from the housing. The apparatus (10) further includes an actuatable fastener (12) for holding the member (70) in the closed position. The actuatable fastener (12) comprises an air bag inflator initiator (100).

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflation opening and a fabric piece arranged in the interior of the gas bag opposite the inflation opening and defining a volume for compressed gas introduced into the gas bag through the inflation opening. The fabric piece forms at least one outflow opening for the compressed gas. The outflow opening defines a gas exit area affected by the compressed gas flowing through the outflow opening, and comprising at least one limiting strap arranged in the interior of the gas bag but outside of the gas exit area.

Abstract: A retainer ring having an air deflector, for use with an airbag mounting structure, includes a flange in which an inflater opening for receiving an inflater is formed; and a wall, a base of which is connected to the flange, extending upward and outward from the inflater opening at a predetermined angle to diffuse and deflect exploding gas upward. The wall, which realizes a simplified configuration for the retainer ring, may include convex portions projecting inwardly towards the inflater opening, being regularly spaced, and rib formations integrally formed on an inner side of the wall between the convex portions. The rib formations are evenly spaced, as a pair of rows covering the height of the inner side of the wall, and slope downward on either side of the convex portions. The airbag mounting structure clamps the inflater and the airbag between the retainer ring and a baseplate, which is mounted to a support within an automobile.

Abstract: An airbag which is provided with an airbag mouth (16) for connection to a gas generator has in the interior of the airbag a deflection device (18) in the region of the airbag mouth (16) which at least partly laterally deflects a gas flow which emerges from the airbag mouth (16).

Abstract: A housing (10) is provided for a folded together inflatable airbag and a holder element (12) which can be locked at the housing, with the housing and the holder element bounding a reception region for a gas generator (14) in the locked state. In addition to an airbag and a gas generator, with the housing and the holder element, only two components are required in accordance with the invention, through which the manufacture may be simplified and manufacturing cost reductions may occur. For the assembly of the airbag module, the gas generator (14) is first arranged either at the housing (10) or at the holder element (12) and then the holder element is locked at the housing. The gas generator (14) is then already located in its final position in the airbag module. Through this the subsequent attachment of the folded together airbag in the housing is simplified since more than two parts which are to be connected together need never be brought into the correct relative position.

Abstract: To provide an airbag apparatus in which the gas generator can be mounted quite easily to the gas generator mounting portion of the airbag without causing gas leakage at all. A curtain-like airbag having an elongated cylindrical gas generator mounting portion is provided on the upper side surface of the cabin for protecting the passenger of the automotive vehicle. A gas generator insertion port is provided at both ends of the gas generator mounting portion. A gas generator is inserted into the gas generator insertion port, and fastened tightly with a fastener from the outer periphery of the gas generator insertion port. The gas generator is constructed in such a manner that a casing is fitted on a hybrid inflator concentrically with a cylinder and a gas exhaust port is provided on the side peripheral surface of the casing.

Abstract: An air bag module including a cushion, a diffuser and an inflator is provided. The cushion is expandable radially and rearward of the air bag module. The diffuser is disposed in the cushion and is also expandable radially and rearward of the air bag module. The diffuser includes a vent in fluid communication with the cushion. The inflator generates an inflator gas exhaustible into the diffuser to deploy the cushion. The inflation gas is receivable by the diffuser for expanding the cushion and the diffuser to a first predetermined position. The vent is positioned downstream of the interior surfaces when the diffuser is at the first predetermined position. The inflation gas is diffusible by the diffuser through the vent to radially expand the cushion after the rearward expansion to the first predetermined position. The cushion is further expandable rearward to a second predetermined position after the radial expansion of the cushion.

Abstract: A driver side air bag, in which the impact applied to tether belts during the deployment of the air bag is small, and comprising a member, of which structure is quite simple, for controlling the direction of the flow of gases in the air bag is provided. Ends of tether belts 68 are inserted between tether belt connecting fabrics 64 and 66 and are sewn by sewing yarn. Each tether belt 68 is an elongated band and is sewn to the tether belt connecting fabrics 64, 66 at both ends of the tether belt 68 and sewn to the front panel at the center in the longitudinal direction of the tether belt 68. A sheet 70 is made in a loop configuration to overlap an opening 72 with an opening 74 and a ring-like flametight fabric 80 is disposed between the sheet 70 and a holding ring 82.

Abstract: In case of emergency such as a side crash of the vehicle, when gas from the inflator flows quickly forward through the gas inlet passage and reaches the closed end at the front end of the gas inlet passage, the internal pressure in the gas inlet passage increases. Then, gas is blown from the gas exhaust ports into the airbag and the airbag is inflated and deployed. At this moment, the gas exhaust ports open in the direction along the inner surface of the side portion the vehicle body, so that gas is blown from the gas exhaust ports in the same direction and the airbag is inflated and deployed downwardly like a curtain along the inner surface of the side portion of the vehicle body. In this inflation and deployment of the airbag, the airbag is inflated and deployed quickly, smoothly and reliably in a relatively narrow space between the inner surface of the side portion of the vehicle body and the passenger.

Abstract: A rectifying plate (53) is inserted between gas outlets of a first inflator (51a) and/or a second inflator (51b) and a diffuser (55), and is formed with a plurality of openings which have different areas and uniform gas flows released from the gas outlets, and the opening area corresponding to the inactive second inflator (51b) of the first and second inflators (51a, 51b) is larger than the opening area corresponding to the active first inflator (51a).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a housing (20). A first inflation fluid source (240) in the housing (20) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable device. A first actuatable initiator (130) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the first inflation fluid source (240). A second inflation fluid source (250) in the housing (20) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. A second actuatable initiator (152) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the second inflation fluid source (250). The housing (20) has a fluid passage (90) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (20) to the inflatable device. The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of one or both of the inflation fluid sources (240, 250).

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for an air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle or the like for introducing a gas into an air bag to inflate the same for protecting a passenger in the vehicle. The gas generating apparatus for the air bag apparatus according to the present invention ignites and burns a combustible fluid to increase its temperature to increase its pressure for inflating an air bag. The gas generating apparatus for the air bag apparatus includes accommodating device (5) and (9) each for accommodating a combustible fluid (7), a vent opening provided in one of the accommodating device (9), and an occluding member (13) having an igniting portion (14) directed inward of the accommodating device (9). A pressure in the accommodating device is increased by burning the combustible fluid to reliably break the occluding member so that a combustion fluid mixture can effectively and swiftly be supplied to the air bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for motor vehicles, comprising a housing for an inflatable airbag and a gas generator, with the gas generator being coupled to the housing without securing means via at least one elastic and/or oscillation damping coupling member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas bag module comprises an inflatable gas bag has an interior, a compressed gas source and a fabric layer arranged in the interior of the gas bag. The fabric layer guides a stream of compressed gas emerging from the compressed gas source upon inflation of the gas bag. A guiding plate is provided in the interior of the gas bag as an additional gas guiding means.

Abstract: Pressurized gas from a gas source for inflating one or more vehicle airbags is routed along a path that includes at least a portion of the air-conditioning ducts of the vehicle. In one arrangement a pressurized gas hose is routed through the ducts. In another arrangement the pressurized gas flows through a portion of the air conditioner ducts that is isolated by valves.

Abstract: An airbag device can stabilize an impact absorbing action when an airbag deploys. In the airbag, a front surface portion is coupled with a rear surface portion by straps so that a deployed-shape of the airbag is restricted when the airbag expands. Each of the straps has a tearable portion having a sufficient length. When the internal pressure of the airbag exceeds a predetermined pressure, the tearable portions are torn so as to increase the lengths of the straps, whereby the restriction of the airbag is eased. The internal pressure of the airbag is sufficiently increased before an occupant plunges to the airbag to smoothly absorb an impact simultaneously with the plunge of the occupant, and thereafter, the impact is smoothly absorbed as well.

Abstract: A switchable flap valve having at least one valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) disposed for pivoting about a longitudinal axis in a housing part (1) for opening or closing a valve opening (11) provided in the housing part (1) in which a strip element (4, 4a, 4b) is formed on the upper side of the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve plate, The surface of the strip element (4, 4a) is inclined toward an adjacent housing wall (20) or toward a second strip (4b) and forms a hollow channel with the housing wall (20) or with the strip (4b). The free longitudinal edge (18) of the strip (4, 4a, 4b) is held in a latch mechanism (7, 8) to maintain the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) in the closed position.

Abstract: An air bag device that comprises an air bag cushion, a diffuser canister, and a gas generation inflator. The diffuser canister is attached to the air bag cushion and has walls configured to define an interior space therein. The walls of the diffuser canister have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a wall thickness t. At least one of the walls has an aperture formed therethrough in communication with the interior of the air bag cushion. The gas generation inflator is configured to rapidly create a gas that exists the diffuser canister through the aperture so as to fill the air bag cushion. The aperture is defined by an edge extending between the interior and said exterior surfaces of the wall that is configured to diffuse the gas exiting the diffuser canister through the aperture.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflation opening, a fabric piece arranged inside the gas bag opposite the inflation opening and forming an outflow opening for compressed gas which flows through the inflation opening into the gas bag, and at least one tether which is likewise arranged inside the gas bag. The tether is arranged such that the compressed gas flowing out through the outflow opening from a volume surrounded by the fabric piece, substantially does not flow against the tether.

Abstract: A gas generator for air bags having a container holding a combustible gas mixture and fitted with a closure which opens into a combustion chamber fitted with a gas outlet in which the gas mixture is ignited by an ignition device. To provide a fast-reacting ignition device and generate a controllable flow of pressurized gas at a relatively low temperature, the container is mainly filled with a pressurized inert gas and contains 0.1 to 2.0% vol. of a hydrocarbon and 0.5 to 10% vol. of a gaseous oxidizing agent. On being actuated, the ignition device opens the container closure, ignites the gas mixture flowing into the combustion chamber and maintains combustion by the continuous supply of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable protection device (14), an inflator (50), and a fill tube (22). The inflator (50) is electrically actuated to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). The inflator (50) has a longitudinal axis (60), a first end portion (54) with a fluid outlet (62), a central portion (52), and a second end portion (56) opposite the first end portion. The fill tube (22) extends from a location adjacent the second end portion (56) of the inflator (50) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator (50) into the protection device (14). A directing assembly (20) directs inflation fluid from the fluid outlet (62) of the inflator (50) to the fill tube (22). The directing assembly (20) includes a shroud (90) with a chamber (95). The chamber (95) receives the inflator (50). A manifold (70) is located at the second end portion (56) of the inflator.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a container (32) for storing gas (36) under pressure. The container (32) has an outlet (38). The apparatus (10) includes a mechanism (42) for opening the container (32) to release the gas (36) to flow from the outlet (38) at supersonic speed. The apparatus (10) also includes a pyrotechnic material (70) which is ignitable to generate gas for helping to inflate the inflatable device (20). The pyrotechnic material (70) is ignitable in response to being impacted by the gas (36) flowing from the outlet (38) at supersonic speed. The apparatus (10) further includes a conduit (50) directing at least a first portion of the gas (36) flowing from the container (32) to the pyrotechnic material (70) to ignite the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: An air bag for side impact protection system comprising: an air bag (50) having an inflatable first chamber (50a) formed of two joined-together first (52a) and second (52b) panels of material, the first chamber including a forward part (26) and an opposite rear part (60); an inflator (26) for generating inflation gas to inflate the air bag, the inflator including exit ports (26a) which channel the inflation gas into the first chamber in a determinable direction; the air bag further including a flow diverter (70, 90) positioned to receive inflation gas and to divert at least a component of the inflation gas to flow generally perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment the flow diverter is formed as an open topped tube; in another embodiment; the flow diverter includes a plurality of vent openings in the side of the tube. In a third embodiment of the invention the diverter is formed by a permeable sack of material.

Abstract: Annular wire mesh filters for airbag assemblies for passenger vehicles are provided with a series of ribs extending parallel with the axis of the annulus and along the outer wall. The ribs provide added strength to the filter. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the compressed mesh filter with a uniform density, and a molding tool (mold, mandrel, and plunger) for making the compressed mesh articles of this invention.

Abstract: Cushion members, for an air bag gas generator, that have sufficient elasticity to secure gas generating agents and that can also be easily manufactured is provided. Further, an air bag gas generator using such cushion members is provided. In the cushion members for prohibiting movement of a member, contained in the housing, the surface characteristic of upper or lower surface, of both surfaces are designed such that the cushion members are laid on top of another, they do not adhere to each other. The air bag gas generator using the cushion members is to be provided.

Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag has a reduced number of components and in which an automatic ignition material can ignite at an appropriate time. This gas generator includes a housing, an ignition unit accommodating chamber in the housing, an ignition unit installed in the ignition unit accommodating chamber, a gas generating material, and a cooling and purifying unit. The ignition unit includes a transfer charge container and an igniter. The transfer charge container has a cup containing a transfer charge and a cover hermetically sealing the cup. The igniter is activated by a signal to ignite the transfer charge, and a generated gas is introduced into an airbag to protect an occupant against an impact. The transfer charge container includes a cup part and a cover part, either the bottom of the cup part or the cover part are outwardly curved to form an outwardly convex surface. The container is resiliently held between a top wall portion of the ignition unit accommodating chamber and the igniter.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) includes a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to said heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate pyrotechnic material and a particulate polymeric resin binder. The particles (112) of the polymeric resin binder are fused together and form a structure having interconnected open cells (118). The particles (114) of pyrotechnic material are disposed within the interconnected open cells (118) and form a combustible network of pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: The fabric part intended to be arranged in the interior of a gas bag of a vehicle occupant restraint system and comprising, when spread out flat, a generally rectangular middle section with shorter and longer outer edges as well as four fastening sections. The fastening sections are disposed at the shorter outer edges of the middle section such that each thereof extends starting from the longer outer edges along the shorter outer edges toward a longitudinal centerline of the middle section. Each of the fastening sections ends at a distance away from the longitudinal centerline.

Abstract: Annular wire mesh filters for airbag assemblies for passenger vehicles are provided with a series of ribs extending parallel with the axis of the annulus and along the outer wall. The ribs provide added strength to the filter. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the compressed mesh filter with a uniform density, and a molding tool (mold, mandrel, and plunger) for making the compressed mesh articles of this invention.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprises a gas bag having a folded part, a gas generator for generating compressed air, a pressure chamber housing, in which the gas generator is arranged, which surrounds the gas generator and in which the generated compressed gas spreads, and an ejection channel in which the folded part of the gas bag is arranged and which predefines an unfolding direction upon inflation of the gas bag. The ejection channel is constructed as a box-shaped separate part with a flange. The pressure chamber housing has a counter flange. The ejection channel is attached to the housing by attaching the flange to the counter flange. The gas bag is clamped immediately between the flange and the counter flange. Further the invention relates to a method for assembling parts of an air bag module to each other for shipping purposes and for installation into a vehicle.

Abstract: An igniter for a gas generator comprises at least two connecting leads and an incandescent means arranged between the connecting leads and surrounded by an igniting substance. Several filaments are used as the incandescent means.

Abstract: To improve light emitting phenomenon occurring in an air bag when respective inflators are different in activation start time from each other, namely, when the activation of one of the inflators is delayed from that of the other in a dual type inflator device. A dual type inflator device comprises a hybrid-type inflator and a pyro-type inflator, wherein an end portion of the pyro-type inflator having a gas outlet is connected to an end portion of a diffuser assembly of the hybrid-type inflator, the gas outlet of the pyro-type inflator is formed in a tube shape so as to have a gas passage, the gas outlet extending into an outlet passage through a central portion of the diffuser assembly of the hybrid-type inflator, and gas flow from the pyro-type inflator is mixed with gas flow of the hybrid-type inflator in the outlet passage.