Importance

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Abstract

An inflator (10) comprises a housing (20) defining first and second combustion chambers (100, 120). A first inflation fluid source (140) in the first combustion chamber (100) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A first initiator (112) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the first inflation fluid source (140). A second inflation fluid source (150) in the second combustion chamber (120) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A second initiator (124) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the second inflation fluid source (150). The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of one or both of the inflation fluid sources (140, 150). The housing (20), after deforming, has a fluid passage (90) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The flow area of the fluid passage (90) varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing (20). The housing comprises first and second housing parts (40, 30) having a first condition in abutting engagement with each other and a second condition, after deformation of the housing (20), spaced apart from each other to define the fluid passage (90). The first housing part (40) comprises a one-piece metal member that supports the initiators (112, 124) and defines the combustion chambers (100, 120).

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First Claim