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Method for manufacturing hybrid inflator having toroidal-like stored gas housing

  • US 5,778,509 A
  • Filed: 05/02/1995
  • Issued: 07/14/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for manufacturing a hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system, comprising the steps of:

  • forming an annular stored gas housing, tubing which has a generally torus-shaped outer wall, from a length of tubing wherein a radially inward annular part of said stored gas housing defines a central opening, said forming step including;

    providing first and second dies, with each of said first and second dies having a groove;

    locating said tubing between said first and second dies in axial alignment with said grooves of said first and second dies, said tubing comprising first and second tubing ends and a substantially cylindrical tubing sidewall disposed about a longitudinal axis;

    advancing said first and second dies relatively toward each other and forcing portions of said tubing radially inwardly relative to said longitudinal axis; and

    conforming an upper half of said tubing to said groove in said first die and conforming a lower half of said tubing to said groove in said second die;

    supplying a central housingpositioning a propellant in at least part of said central housing;

    disposing said central housing within said central opening of said stored gas housing;

    securing said central housing to said stored gas housing; and

    providing an inflating medium to at least said stored gas housing.

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