Atlantic Research Corporation

Andrew C Kohl

Donald W Renfroe

Richard K Robbins

Robert C Zimbrich

David Anthony Bilbrey

Todd Steven Carlson

Charles D Rodgers

A multi-level output inflator for air bags or the like, comprising a center bulkhead, a primary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to one side of the bulkhead, and a secondary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to the opposite side of the bulkhead. The primary gas generating unit comprises a primary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the primary pressure vessel. The secondary gas generating unit comprises a secondary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the secondary pressure vessel. The bulkhead comprises a first opening therein in communication with the primary pressure vessel and a primary outlet port in communication with the first opening. A second opening is provided in the bulkhead with is in communication with the secondary pressure vessel and a secondary outlet port. A primary burst disc is disposed between the first opening of the bulkhead and the primary pressure vessel, and a secondary burst disc is provided between the second bulkhead opening and the secondary pressure vessel. Upon the ignition of the gas generating charge of one of the gas generating units, the gas therein is further pressurized to rupture the adjacent burst disc and effect the flow of the pressurized gas to the adjacent bulkhead opening and outlet port to the air bag for inflation thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Knoxville, TN, United States of America

Andrew C Kohl