Abstract: The present invention provides an airbelt inflator (10) designed primarily for supplying and directing gas from the combustion of gas generant materials into a vehicle airbelt. Inflator (10) includes a substantially cylindrical inflator body (12), having a first end (11) and a second end (13). A unique booster cup (22) is positioned within inflator body (12), and is preferably press fit with initiator body (15), suspending cup (22) within inflator body (12). Cup (22) facilitates consistent burn of the main propellant, imparting repeatable bag performance. A cylindrical mesh filter (38) is positioned in inflator body (12). A nozzle (36) is preferably positioned adjacent a disc (30). A variety of different nozzles giving inflator (10) varying gas output characteristics can be utilized with inflator (10), for example thrusting inflators or thrust-neutral inflators, depending on the operating requirements of the airbelt system.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a container having an outer shell; a gas initiator disposed in the container; an igniter for igniting the gas initiator; and a partition disposed in the outer shell for dividing the container into a plurality of gas initiator chambers and having a positioning member for positioning the igniter in an inserting direction of the igniter into the partition. The igniter can be positioned inside the partition with high accuracy.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprises a container (30) in which inflation fluid is stored under pressure. The container (30) has an opening (40) through which inflation fluid flows in a given direction from the container. A rupturable closure member (60) is fixed to the container (30) and blocks flow of inflation fluid through the opening (40). The inflator includes an initiator (70) for, when actuated, rupturing the closure member (60) to enable inflation fluid to flow from the container through the opening (40). The inflator (10) also includes a retainer (90) for retaining the initiator (70) on the container (30). The retainer (90) comprises at least one part (94) having a passage (140) for directing gas that flows from the container (30) in the given direction. The inflator (10) also includes a support (150) for the rupturable closure member (60). The support (150) transmits force from the closure member (60) to said retainer (90).

Abstract: A flexible inflator for an inflation assembly and related gas generating propellant compositions are provided. The flexible inflator includes at least one elongated strand of a propellant co-extruded with a moisture barrier. The propellant compositions are adapted for co-extrusion with a plastic sheath which forms the moisture barrier surrounding the propellant and include a binder fuel component effective to render the composition flexible and to impart sufficient adhesive properties such that the propellant composition and the plastic sheath adhere together, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: A gas generator (G) comprising a hollow body (3) packed with gas generant (2) for generating gas by burning, and a holder (5) disposed in an inside of the hollow body (3) and equipped with an igniter device (1). A stepped portion (12) is formed in the hollow body (3), and the holder (3) comprises a holder body (16) and a weldable member (6) partly exposed to an outer circumferential portion of the holder and is formed to fit against the stepped portion (12). The weldable member (6) and the hollow body (3) are welded to seal an interior of the hollow body (3).

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

Abstract: An initiator assembly is provided with a metallic collar securely combined to an electric type initiator to block a moisture penetration into the inside of a gas generator, thereby obtaining operation reliability of the gas generator. In the initiator assembly, at least part of the electric type initiator is surrounded by the metallic collar, and integrated with a resin. At least either of an annular protrusion and a cylindrical protrusion provided in the direction to surround the electric type initiator is formed on the metallic collar, and the protrusion is covered with the resin.

Abstract: A gas bag module has a generally cylindrical gas generator, at least one igniter and a housing to which the gas generator is secured. The igniter extends radially out of the gas generator and is secured to the housing. A gas bag is arranged in the housing and is clamped between the gas generator and the housing.

Abstract: A tubular inflator has a bulkhead that divides the inflator into a first and second combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber has an igniter assembly, gas generant, and compressed wire filter. The wire filters in the inflator are positioned so that they contact the bulkhead. The filters and the bulkhead prevent sympathetic ignition in the inflator, which is defined as the ignition of gas generant in one combustion chamber from the heat generated from the burning of the gas generant in the other combustion chamber. The igniter assembly has an igniter core that is molded by a unitary plastic material. The plastic overmold has threads for attaching the igniter assembly to the inflator, and the plastic overmold has a retainer portion for retaining an enhancer tablet.

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

Abstract: A hybrid inflator which is made more compact and lighter is provided. An excessive internal pressure increase at a time of activation is prevented by setting a molar ratio (A/B) between a pressurized medium (A moles) charged in a housing 102 and an amount of a gas (B moles) generated due to combustion of a gas generating agent 122 to 8/2 to 1/9.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an air bag including a filter having excellent cooling effect.

Abstract: An inflator 10 of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing 12 having a plurality of gas exit orifices 14 spaced along the length thereof. An ignition body 30 and propellant 16 are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing 12 wherein the ignition body 30 is placed in physical contact with the propellant body 16 for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the ignition body 30 is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the propellant 16 results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag 26, wherein the airbag 26 is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing 12. Preferred mixtures of propellant 16 contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a coolant.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator for an airbag module is disclosed. The pyrotechnic inflator may have a generally tubular housing that contains an initiator, a baffle, and a quantity of inflation gas generant. The generant is disposed in a compartment defined by the baffle. The baffle has a passageway with a first end and a second end. Direct fluid communication between the first and second ends is restricted by a blockage within the passageway. Upon receipt of an activation signal, the initiator directs initiation gas into the first end. The initiation gas may exit the first end through a plurality of first end holes to reach and ignite the generant with or without requiring any intermediate igniter material. The generant combusts to produce inflation gas, which enters the second end of the passageway through a plurality of second end holes. The inflation gas exits the inflator to inflate a cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating material (16) that, when ignited, produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating material (16) comprises a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer and an inorganic salt oxidizer. The polyurethane elastomeric material comprises a physically cross-linked linear copolymer of an aromatic diisocyanate and a linear energetic polymer having a hydroxyl functionality of two or less.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a housing with a first housing portion defining a first chamber and a second housing portion defining a second chamber. A gas generant disposed in the first and second chambers. A barrier separates the first and second chambers. Each of the chambers has an ignition enhancer tube disposed therein with a portion of an ignition unit being located therein. Each of the ignition enhancer tubes has at least one outlet defined therein. Each ignition enhancer tube holding an ignition enhancer such that when the associated ignition unit ignites the ignition enhancer combusts and exits through said outlet and then reacts with the gas generant in the associated chamber.

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

Abstract: A gas generator for actuating a vehicle occupant restraint device, including a first hollow body with a bottom and sides, gas generants filled densely in the first hollow body, an electric ignitor formed by housing igniting agents in a second hollow body with a bottom and sides, and closing the second hollow body with a plug, and a holder positioning the second hollow body in a center of the first hollow body and fixing the first hollow body while holding the plug of the electric ignitor. Particularly, a ratio of an empty space to a full volume of a space partitioned by an inner surface of the first hollow body, an outer surface of the second hollow body, and the holder is less than 20% by volume.

Abstract: An inflator for an airbag includes a container defining and outer surface and an inner compartment. A plurality of igniters are disposed within the inner compartment and are operably associated with a gas-generating unit. Each gas-generating unit is formed by a pair of matched stamped housings. Bushing separate and secure the gas-generating units in place along the outer surface of the container. Each gas-generating unit defines an annular chamber filled with gas generating material. Each of the igniters within the container are independently ignitable and are mechanically isolated from each other to prevent actuation of one igniter in response to the actuation of an adjacent igniter. The igniters are independently actuated to control the magnitude of inflation force of the airbag.

Abstract: A gas generator is formed of a container having an outer-shell member, and a partition member disposed at least partly inside the outer-shell member to thereby form a plurality of chambers inside the container and fixed to the outer-shell member, a fixation area increasing portion formed at at least one of the partition member and the outer-shell member, a gas generating agent disposed inside the plurality of chambers of the container, and an igniter for igniting the gas generating agent. The gas generator reliably prevents the gas leak from a portion of fixation of the outer-shell member and the partition member.

Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a cylindrical inflator , a housing and a retainer by means of which the inflator can be fixed in the housing. The inflator has a longitudinal centerline and a cirumferential surface area and the retainer comprises a circular opening with an edge. Protruding from the edge into the opening are tabs which engage the circumferential surface area of the inflator to fix the latter in the opening.

Abstract: An inflation device (10) adapted for use in a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a housing (12), an igniter (14) received in the housing, and a first cord-type gas generator (22) connected to the housing (12), the cord-type gas generator (22) including a cord-shaped propellant strand (24). The igniter housing (12) has at least one relief opening (20a, 20b) which is associated to a surrounding region outside the cord-type gas generator (22) and the housing (12).

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

Abstract: A modular headliner assembly (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) adapted to inflate away from a roof (18) of a vehicle (12) into a position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The modular headliner assembly (10) also includes a headliner (36) for covering an interior portion (38) of the roof (18) and at least one support device (40) for supporting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and the headliner in the vehicle (12). The support device (40) includes a bracket (42) having a portion (44) connectable to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), fastener (202) for connecting the headliner (36) to the bracket, and a fastener (222) for connecting the bracket to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: Assembly of a gas generator 10 includes the step of adding uncured silicone to a propellant cup 25. Granulated oxidizer is then added over the top of the silicone and allowed to disperse therein. Afterwards, the silicone is cured to provide flush communication with an inner wall 14 of the propellant cup 25. Other granulated gas generant constituents may be added as well. A gas generator 10 assembled in this manner provides more predictable burn rates of a gas generant composition 26 and therefore more predictable performance of the gas generator 10.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for inflating an inflatable safety restraint cushion and associated methods for producing an inflation gas for inflating an inflatable safety restraint cushion which rely, at least in part, on Joule-Thomson heating to form an inflation gas.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises a chamber that contains pressurized fluid and that is sealed off by a rupturable membrane, and a pyrotechnical propellant charge that ruptures the membrane when it is ignited. The gas generator further comprises a nozzle wall that is arranged between the propellant charge and the membrane and that has at least one passage opening through which combustion products generated upon ignition of said pyrotechnical propellant charge flow towards the membrane. The passage opening has such a shape and is oriented with respect to the membrane in such a way that, when the membrane is ruptured, there are formed sections of said membrane that remain all connected to an edge of the membrane.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain positioning system may include an inflator and an inflatable curtain. The inflator may have a neck for receiving the inflatable curtain. A protrusion, such as a hook or tab, may be disposed on the neck. The inflatable curtain may include a throat to be disposed around the neck of the inflator. An opening may be disposed within the throat. In one configuration, the opening may be positioned to receive the protrusion only when the curtain is situated at a desired location relative to the housing.

Abstract: A gas generator S applicable to a side airbag or a passenger-side airbag. The gas generator S comprises an elongated cylindrical housing 1. The housing 1 has, in its interior, a first combustion chamber 3, a third combustion chamber 5 formed in a filtering member 2 and a second combustion chamber 4 which are formed in this order along an axial direction of the housing 1. The combustion chambers 3-5 are each packed with gas generating agents 6 that generate high temperature gas by burning, and ignition means 7 for igniting only the gas generating agents packed in the first combustion chamber 3 is disposed in a holder 9 fitted in the housing 1.

Abstract: An airbag module including a generator carrier having a base for fastening a gas generator. The carrier also includes at least one boundary wall which projects from the base and is integrally formed in one piece on the base and which, together with the base, forms a receptacle for a folded gas bag. The module also includes a cover for covering an outlet orifice for a deploying gas bag. At least one portion of the boundary wall is pivotably connected to the base part so that the boundary wall can pivot and thereby create a free space for the deploying gas bag.

Abstract: In a first cup 2, a second cup 12 of an ignitor 4 is inserted in an engaged state, a sealing member 19 is disposed between an end 2c of the first cup 2 and the ignitor 4, and the end 2c and the ignitor 4 are fixed by co-fastening due to crimping a holder 5 toward the ignitor 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an air bag capable of easily adjusting a volume ratio of two combustion chambers while reducing the gas generator in size. A diameter of an inner cylinder 15 disposed in a housing 11 is increased and reduced depending upon its vertical position. Thus, the volume ratio of the first combustion chamber 20 and the second combustion chamber 25 can be changed without changing the height of the housing 11 itself.

Abstract: A dual chamber inflator 10 contains a housing 12 having a base 14 and a cap 16. A divider disc 18 divides the inflator 10 into a first chamber 20 and a second chamber 22. Divider 18 contains at least one aperture 60 thereby facilitating fluid communication between chambers 20 and 22 for simultaneous operation of chambers 20 and 22.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of an SiC-treated semiconductor substrate material, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: An airbag inflator is provided including a housing defining a storage chamber containing contents including a supply of a gas source material in a fluid form and a propagation member contained at least in part within the storage chamber and defining a propagation chamber having a volume containing a supply of a reactive material that reacts to at least produce heat. The propagation member having a first end and a second end and including a plurality of gas exit holes. A first initiator at the first end of the propagation member is in discharge communication with the supply of reactive material and effective to initiate the reactive material and a second initiator at the second end of the propagation member is in discharge communication with the supply of reactive material and effective to initiate the reactive material. At least one of the first and second initiators is actuated to produce a supply of inflation gas for inflating an airbag.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses are provided employing an elongated enclosed housing which contains a non-gaseous, fluid form of gas generant material. The housing can desirably be sufficiently flexible to permit the inflator device to be desirably shaped such as to facilitate the specific placement and location thereof within the interior of a vehicle. Also, provided are associated methods of gas production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with an airbag device covered by part of an interior fitting, comprising an airbag disposed behind the interior fitting part and a gas generator which is pyrotechnically connected to the airbag. A cord-type gas generator (20) is used as a gas generator and is disposed inside the airbag (18). The cord-type gas generator (20) is placed lengthways within a U-shaped recess in the interior fitting which opens upon inflation of the airbag device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator 10 for an inflatable restraint system in an automobile. The inflator includes an elongate inflator body 11 having a plurality of inflation apertures 40 and defining a first combustion chamber 25 wherein a first propellant charge 28 is positioned. A partitioning assembly 26 is nested within the inflator body 11, and positioned proximate the second end 17. The partitioning assembly 26 defines a second combustion chamber 35 wherein a second propellant charge 38 is positioned. First and second initiators 12 and 9 are provided, and are selectively operable to ignite the propellant charges 28 and 38 respectively, thereby supplying an inflation gas via the first chamber 25 to an inflatable restraint cushion.

Abstract: A gas generator or inflator 10 preferably contains a housing 12 formed from welding a cap 14 and a base 16 in nested and coaxial relationship. Welding a first wall 15 of the cap 14 with an adjoining and substantially coextensive second wall 17 of the base 16 forms a structural girth. An annulus 36 is preferably formed centrally within the cap 14 thereby providing a seat for an igniter mount 22. An igniter mount 22 is fixed within the annulus 36, and houses an igniter 18 fixed therein.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator may have a gas chamber with a first end with a first exit orifice and a second end with a second exit orifice. The exit orifices may be directed into inlet ports of an inflatable curtain so that inflation gases exit the inflator through the exit orifices and enter directly into the inflatable curtain. The exit orifices may provide axial gas flows in opposite directions so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures. If desired, pistons may be utilized to ensure that the exit orifices are completely and simultaneously opened. Furthermore, the gas chamber may comprise a variety of configurations, including a unitary, one-piece structure, a multi-part structure with vessels attached to a tubular or spherical bulkhead, or a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag system which can be reduced in weight while maintaining an excellent operation performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid inflator without malfunctioning.

Abstract: An initiator has a circuit board with two spaced copper traces and a bridge resistor of Nichrome® or tantalum nitride at one end, and wire leads or pins joining the wire traces at the other end. A zener diode is placed between the wire leads and a bridge resistor. Immediately before the wire leads reach the circuit board they pass through a ferrite core. The wire leads, the ferrite core, and the circuit board except for the end of the board to which the bridge resistor is mounted, is insert molded into a body of glass filled nylon 6,6. The nylon body mounts an aluminum can that covers the bridge resistor and is bonded to a circumferential groove in the nylon body. The bridge resistor is covered with primary explosives such as zirconium potassium perchlorate and the can is filled with gas generating granules such as 5-aminotetrazole.

Abstract: Inflator device assemblies wherein an igniter composition used to ignite an associated gas generant material is provided on a selected surface, such as on a damper pad, within the inflator device. Suitable igniter compositions may include a silicone resin additive effective to adhere the igniter composition to a surface within the inflator device.

Abstract: The Abstract of the Disclosure has been amended as follows:

Abstract: An inflator 10 of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing 12 having a plurality of gas exit orifices 14 spaced along the length thereof. A first propellant body 31 and a second propellant body 33 are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing 12 wherein the first propellant body 31 is placed in physical contact with the second propellant body 33 for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the first propellant body 31 is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the second propellant body 33 results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag 26, wherein the airbag 26 is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing 12. Preferred mixtures of first propellant body 31 contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a nitrate salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of attaching an inflator to a module case.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus wherein the molecular weight of the gas mixture therein contained is manipulated by varying the relative amounts of the various constituents thereof. Through such manipulation and tight control of gas mixture molecular weight, the performance of the inflator can be properly tuned such as to desirably control or influence the speed of deployment of an associated airbag cushion and minimize or reduce damage to an associated airbag cushion caused by excessive deployment speeds, as well as satisfy the relatively onerous inflation demands required for proper or desired operation of various close proximity airbag cushions or inflatable restraint devices.

Abstract: A method of producing a gas generator housing part of a thin-walled tube (22, 24) and a connecting piece laterally mounted thereto, is characterized by the following steps: a) providing a tube (22, 24) having a wall thickness (WS) which amounts to a maximum of 10% of a tube external diameter (D) and a minimum tensile strength which amounts to at least approximately 800 N/mm2; b) providing a connecting piece having an external diameter (do) which amounts to between 15% and 40% of said tube external diameter (D); c) aligning said connecting piece radially to said tube (22, 24) such that an end face (78) of said connecting piece faces an outer face of said tube (22, 24); d) joining said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece by friction welding, with producing a relative rotation between said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece and moving said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece towards each other, f) a maximum welding time amounts to less than 1 sec, preferably less than 0.