Thiokol Corporation

Philip R Dykstra

Fred E Schneiter

Carver G Kennedy

The invention, which is especially useful for inflating safety cushions for automotive vehicles, is essentially an orificed housing and an expendable cartridge therein. The cartridge has a hermetically sealed can containing a layer of gas generant material in one end contiguous with a tubular-shaped igniter including an electric squib and pyrotechnic material to be ignited thereby. A layer of filter screens is included between the ignition device and a perforated partition. The remainder of the can is filled with an annulus formed by annular wrappings of wire screen and a central bag of pH neutralizing material. The perforations in the partition are centered over the neutralizing material so that the slightly alkaline gases from the burning gas generant and ignition device must pass through the pH neutralizing material before passing through the annular wrappings of screen and rupturing the wall of the can to inflate a safety cushion. This disposable cartridge is closely supported on all sides by the housing, except at the orifices thereof, so that rupturing of the can may occur only at the orifices when the gas generator is fired.

Growing community of inventors

Brigham City, UT, United States of America

Philip R Dykstra