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Multi-chamber inflator

  • US 6,659,500 B2
  • Filed: 07/18/2001
  • Issued: 12/09/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An inflator for a vehicle occupant protection system comprising:

  • a housing comprising an inner wall and a first plurality of gas exit apertures spaced therein, said housing forming a primary propellant chamber;

    an initiator assembly comprising a first component and a second component coupled together in nested relationship, said assembly fixed within said housing and over said primary propellant chamber;

    a first chamber and a second chamber wherein each chamber is formed through said first and second components, said first chamber and/or said second chamber in fluid communication with said primary propellant chamber upon inflator operation;

    a first initiator and a second initiator contained within the first chamber and the second chamber respectively;

    a first ignition compound and a second ignition compound within said first and second chambers respectively, wherein upon inflator operation said first and/or said second initiators ignite said first and/or said second ignition compounds, respectively; and

    a solid primary gas generant composition contained within said primary propellant chamber, said primary gas generant combustible upon ignition of said first and/or said second ignition compounds wherein gases produced from said primary gas generant exit said first plurality of gas exit apertures.

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