Apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint using a mixture of gases
US5348344A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2633
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes containing means for receiving gases to provide a combustible mixture of the gases. An igniter is activated to effect ignition of the mixture of gases in response to sudden vehicle deceleration. A directing means directs a flow of gas from the containing means into the inflatable occupant restraint. In the preferred embodiment the gases are an inert gas, a fuel gas, and an oxidizer gas. Also, a lean mixture of a fuel gas and oxidizer gas could be used. An improved igniter transmits energy through an imperforate portion of a wall of the containing means to ignite a charge in the containing means. The igniter may include an elongate core disposed in a frangible sheath which is shattered as the core is burned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.