Inflator with shock wave focusing structure
First Claim
1. An inflator comprising:
- a container having a fluid storage chamber, the chamber including opposite first and second ends;
a fluid stored under pressure in the chamber;
a shock wave generator located adjacent the first end of the chamber, the shock wave generator, when actuated, producing a shock wave that propagates through the chamber toward the second end;
a fluid outlet passage located at the second end of the chamber; and
a burst disk closing the outlet passage, the chamber gradually decreasing in cross-sectional area adjacent the second end so that the shock wave produced by actuation of the shock wave generator is directed against the burst disk and ruptures the burst disk, thus enabling fluid flow out of the chamber through the outlet passage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inflator (12) includes a container (38) having a fluid storage chamber (110). The chamber (110) includes opposite first and second ends (102 and 104). A fluid (112) is stored under pressure in the chamber (110). A shock wave generator (116) is located adjacent the first end (102) of the chamber (110). The shock wave generator (116), when actuated, produces a shock wave that propagates through the chamber (110) toward the second end (104). A fluid outlet passage (100) is located at the second end (104) of the chamber (110). A burst disk (128) closes the passage (100). The chamber (110) gradually decreases in cross-sectional area adjacent the second end (104) so that the shock wave produced by actuation of the shock wave generator (116) is directed against the burst disk (128) and ruptures the burst disk (128).
32 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An inflator comprising:
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a container having a fluid storage chamber, the chamber including opposite first and second ends;
a fluid stored under pressure in the chamber;
a shock wave generator located adjacent the first end of the chamber, the shock wave generator, when actuated, producing a shock wave that propagates through the chamber toward the second end;
a fluid outlet passage located at the second end of the chamber; and
a burst disk closing the outlet passage, the chamber gradually decreasing in cross-sectional area adjacent the second end so that the shock wave produced by actuation of the shock wave generator is directed against the burst disk and ruptures the burst disk, thus enabling fluid flow out of the chamber through the outlet passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An inflator comprising:
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a container having a fluid storage chamber and a fluid outlet passage connected to the chamber;
a burst disk closing the outlet passage;
a fluid stored under pressure in the chamber; and
means for rupturing the burst disk consisting of a shock wave generator for producing a shock wave to rupture the burst disk and means for focusing the shock wave against the burst disk. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification