Single pyrotechnic hybrid inflator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:
- a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end;
a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;
the generator assembly includes a hollow generator housing extending into an open end of the manifold assembly, and includes a first housing end and a second housing end, the first housing end secured proximate the open end of the manifold assembly, the second housing end includes at least one opening positioned apart and generally in line with the manifold opening wherein generator housing assembly further includes a grain trap including a plurality of trap openings positioned proximate the second housing end, a quantity of formed propellant and a resilient member for biasing the propellant into the grain trap and a pyrotechnic actuator means spaced from the resilient member for initiating, upon activation, the burning of the propellant.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inflator for an air cushion including a pressure vessel comprising a hollow sleeve for storing a quantity of inert gas such as Argon. One end of the sleeve is closed by a first pyrotechnic actuator assembly while the other end of the sleeve may include a closed end or another pyrotechnic actuator assembly. The pressure vessel is secured within a diffuser which directs inflation gases into the air cushion. The pressure vessel in cooperation with the diffuser defines various regions which assist in reducing the gas turbulence and heat transfer between the gas and the diffuser.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:
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a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end; a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;the generator assembly includes a hollow generator housing extending into an open end of the manifold assembly, and includes a first housing end and a second housing end, the first housing end secured proximate the open end of the manifold assembly, the second housing end includes at least one opening positioned apart and generally in line with the manifold opening wherein generator housing assembly further includes a grain trap including a plurality of trap openings positioned proximate the second housing end, a quantity of formed propellant and a resilient member for biasing the propellant into the grain trap and a pyrotechnic actuator means spaced from the resilient member for initiating, upon activation, the burning of the propellant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:
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a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end; a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;the generator assembly includes a hollow generator housing extending into an open end of the manifold assembly, and includes a first housing end and a second housing end, the first housing end secured proximate the open end of the manifold assembly, the second housing end includes at least one opening positioned apart and generally in line with the manifold opening, wherein the manifold assembly is welded to the sleeve in a manner to permit the unobstructed migration of stored gas to the point of weld.
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14. An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:
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a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end; a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;the generator assembly includes a hollow, generator housing extending into and secured to the manifold assembly, a quantity of propellant resident in the generator housing and a pyrotechnic actuator means for initiating, upon activation, the burning of the propellant, wherein the manifold assembly is welded to the sleeve in a manner to permit the unobstructed migration of stored gas to the point of weld.
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Specification