Trw Limited

Bradley W Nelson

Jess A Cuevas

Thomas H Deming

Lloyd G Green, Jr

Robert E Scott

An inflator ( ) comprises a housing ( ) defining first and second combustion chambers ( ). A first inflation fluid source ( ) in the first combustion chamber ( ) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A first initiator ( ) in the housing ( ), when energized, effects actuation of the first inflation fluid source ( ). A second inflation fluid source ( ) in the second combustion chamber ( ) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A second initiator ( ) in the housing ( ), when energized, effects actuation of the second inflation fluid source ( ). The housing ( ) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of one or both of the inflation fluid sources ( ). The housing ( ), after deforming, has a fluid passage ( ) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The flow area of the fluid passage ( ) varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing ( ). The housing comprises first and second housing parts ( ) having a first condition in abutting engagement with each other and a second condition, after deformation of the housing ( ), spaced apart from each other to define the fluid passage ( ). The first housing part ( ) comprises a one-piece metal member that supports the initiators ( ) and defines the combustion chambers ( ).

Dual stage air bag inflator

An inflator (10) comprises a housing (20) defining a combustion chamber (144). An inflation fluid source (152) in the combustion chamber (144) in the housing (20) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure. An initiator (94) is provided in the housing (20) for actuating the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) has a fluid passage (150) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152) by the initiator (94). The flow area of the fluid passage (150) increases due to deformation of the housing (20) and varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) comprises first and second housing parts (40, 30) having respective engageable portions (84, 46) that move, upon actuation of the fluid source (152), from a first condition in abutting engagement with each other to a second condition spaced apart from each other to vary the flow area of the fluid passage (150). The first housing part (40) comprises a one-piece metal member that supports the initiator (94) and at least partially defines the combustion chamber (144). The combustion chamber (144) extends around the initiator (94). The one-piece metal member (40) includes a first portion (70) supporting the initiator (94) and defining a radially inner wall of the combustion chamber (144) and a second portion (64) defining a radially outer wall of the combustion chamber.

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Mesa, AZ, United States of America

Bradley W Nelson