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Airbag inflator having vents to terminate inflation

  • US 5,221,109 A
  • Filed: 07/23/1992
  • Issued: 06/22/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A gas generator for inflating the air bag of a vehicle occupant restraint system which comprises:

  • a cylinder having first and second spaced end walls, first vent openings defined by the second end wall, a side wall interconnecting the end walls, and gas passages through said side wall for inflating said air bag;

    a substantially cup-shaped piston within said cylinder having a base normally resting against said second end wall and closing said first vent openings, said base defining second vent openings normally closed by said second end wall, and a piston side wall adjacent the cylinder side wall and normally positioned to leave said gas passages open;

    a primary gas-generating charge contained within a space enclosed between said piston and the first end wall of the cylinder;

    means for selectively activating said primary charge to produce and force gas through said gas passages;

    a secondary gas-generating charge contained between the second end wall of the cylinder and the base of the piston; and

    means for selectively activating said secondary charge after activation of said primary charge to force said piston inwardly of said cylinder to close said gas passages and open said first and second vent openings.

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