Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Douglas J Rizzi

Paul T Saccone

Pondget P Wipasuramonton

Pongdet Paul Wipasuramonton

Craig M Fischer

James R Hocking

William F McLeod, Ii

Terrance J Coultas

Raymon K Simonsen, Iii

An apparatus (10) for use in inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) comprises a container (15) for containing inflation fluid. The container (15) has an inner surface (26) which defines an opening extending into the container. A plug (40) is located in the opening. The plug (40) includes a first passage for inflation fluid to flow from the container (15) into an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12). The plug (40) includes a second passage through which pressurized inflation fluid is directed into the container (15). The second passage has a first portion (190) and a second portion (192) communicating with the first portion. The first portion (190) communicates with a fill hole (194) located on a flat outer surface portion (199) of the plug (40) and the second portion (192) communicates with a chamber (18) in the container (15). A ball (195) of a check valve (196) seals the first and second portions ( 190, 192) of the second passage to prevent inflation fluid from flowing out of the container (15) after the container has been filled with pressurized inflation fluid. A closure member (198) is then friction welded to the flat outer surface portion (199) and over the fill hole (194) to provide a hermetic seal between the closure member and the flat outer surface portion.

Apparatus for use in inflating an air bag and method of making the

An apparatus for use in inflating an air bag comprises a container (15) containing a supply of inflation fluid. The container has a first outer surface (19) and an inner surface (26) which is threaded and defines a threaded opening extending into the container from the first outer surface. A plug (40) has an outer periphery (45) which is threaded. The plug is screwed into the threaded opening in the container. The outer periphery of the plug includes a second outer surface (51) adjacent the first outer surface of the container. The outer periphery of the plug and the inner surface of the container that defines the threaded opening comprise an interface (11) between the plug and the container. The interface extends to the periphery of the container between the first and second outer surfaces. A ring (30) overlies both the interface and portions of the first and second outer surfaces. The ring is secured to the first and second outer surfaces to block leakage of inflation fluid from the container through the interface.

Apparatus for use in inflating an air bag and method of assembly

An inflator assembly inflates a vehicle occupant restraint. The inflator assembly includes a container in which gas is stored under pressure. An ignitable material is disposed within the container. An actuator assembly is provided to release the stored gas from the container and to ignite the ignitable material. The actuator assembly includes a pyrotechnic charge of ignitable material which burns to move a piston to rupture a portion of the container. A passage through the piston conducts a flow of combustion products resulting from ignition of the pyrotechnic charge of ignitable material to ignite the ignitable material within the container. During burning of the ignitable material, the gas in the container is heated to increase the fluid pressure in the container.

Hybrid inflator having movable piston for releasing pressurized gas and

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Eastpointe, MI, United States of America

Douglas J Rizzi