The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 04, 1997
Filed:
May. 02, 1996
Paul S Headley, Mesa, AZ (US);
Mitchell P Zakula, Tempe, AZ (US);
TRW Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus (20) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) comprises a container (60) which defines a chamber (62) for storing gas for inflating the protection device. Fluid is in the chamber (62) and comprises a combustible fuel gas. The container (60) includes an inner housing (64) comprising an inner member (80) extending along an axis (A). The inner member (80) has a first surface portion defining the chamber (62). A second surface portion (180) of the inner member 80 defines at least a portion of the periphery of the inner member (80) extending along the axis (A). An outer housing (66) comprises an outer member (84) with a third surface portion (182) engaging and supporting the second surface portion (180) of the inner member (40) over its axial and circumferential extent. An igniter (100) ignites the fuel gas to create heat. An opening (220) in the outer housing (66) directs gas from the chamber (62) to inflate the protection device (22).