Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

David L Geyer

George W Goetz

Alex G Meduvsky

Steven W Maurer

William E Gest

Daniel D Whalen

Dennis J Fiore

Gina H Simpson

Edward Q Glac

Heidi M Westlake

An apparatus (20) for supplying inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises an enclosure (22) having a chamber (66) partially defined by an end wall portion (28) of the enclosure. A gas generating material (80) is located within the chamber (66) and spaced a distance from the end wall portion (28). The gas generating material (80) is ignitable at a first temperature. Auto-ignition material (180) is located within the chamber (66). The auto-ignition material (180) is ignitable at a second temperature below the first temperature. The auto-ignition material (180), when ignited, ignites the gas generating material (80). A filter element (70) is disposed between the gas generating material and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A resilient member (140) is located within the chamber (66). The resilient member (140) has (i) a first portion (144) between the end wall portion (28) and the gas generating material (80) for inhibiting movement of the gas generating material relative to the enclosure (22), and (ii) a second portion (146) providing a seal between the filter element (70) and the end wall portion, said first portion having a passage (176) for directing the products of combustion of the auto-ignition material (180) against the gas generating material.

Apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device

An inflator (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, an igniter (260) for igniting the body (60) of gas generating material, and a housing (50) having a tubular wall (52) surrounding the body (60) of gas generating material. The tubular wall (52) has a longitudinal central axis (40), a plurality of outlet openings (100) through which gas flows radially outward, and an open end portion (232) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The inflator (14) further includes a circular end cap (56) which is located coaxially within the tubular wall (52). The end cap (56) supports the igniter (260) on the axis (40), and has a peripheral surface portion (216) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The open end portion (232) of the tubular wall (52) closely overlies the peripheral surface portion (216) of the end cap (56).

Air bag inflator and method of assembly

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Mesa, AZ, United States of America

David L Geyer