Air bag inflators

US6619692B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• TRW Limited · US
• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US

Inventors

• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US
• Lee D. Bergerson · Willow View Lane, US
• Paul A. Bowers · Traverse City, US
• Dean M. Esterberg · Tempe, US
• Ernst M. Faigle · Lapeer, US
• Homer W. Fogle, Jr. · Mesa, US
• Brian R. Pitstick · Mesa, US
• Christopher Shih · Torrance, US
• Ivan L. Stonich · Hermosa Beach, US
• Eric N. Streif · Gilbert, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 16, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 27, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/26029
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).