Talley Defense Systems, Inc.

Martin J Muir

Robert S Willhelm

Christopher P Ludwig

Gregory J Scaven

John Bednarz

Glade L Hansen

A non-hybrid pyrotechnic filterless inflator, i.e., gas generator, for an automotive passive restraint air bag having a generally discoidally-shaped pressure vessel having a diameter that preferably is greater than or about equal to its height formed of a cup-shaped closure cap and a base member and having at least one exhaust nozzle for directing gaseous products out of the inflator and into the air bag. The pressure vessel contains two separated and independently initiated initiator assemblies. By initiating either one or both initiator assemblies, the inflator can generate a modulated gas output between a first minimum output level and a second maximum output level in response to passenger and driver conditions.

Dual stage inflator

A non-hybrid pyrotechnic filterless inflator, i.e., gas generator, for an automotive passive restraint air bag having a generally discoidally-shaped pressure vessel having a diameter that preferably is greater than or about equal to its height formed of a cup-shaped closure cap and a base member and having at least one exhaust nozzle for directing gaseous products out of the inflator and into the air bag. The pressure vessel contains an initiator assembly and a gas-generant cup assembly including a stamped metal cup which contains the main pyrotechnic gas-generating propellant composition positioned about and in some embodiments in contact with the initiator assembly and preferably spaced a small distance from the walls of the pressure vessel. The initiator assembly includes an initiator plug received in the opening of the base, a standard initiator which ignites the gas-generating products or ignition-enhancing materials in the inflator and the electrical connections to connect the inflator to a crash-sensing diagnostic system. An ignition-enhancer cup assembly may be provided which includes an ignition enhancing charge material placed inside a stamped metal cup containing numerous gas ports and positioned about the initiator assembly to place the ignition-enhancing generant charge about and in contact with the initiator.

Growing community of inventors

Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Martin J Muir