Importance

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Abstract

A gas generator for vehicle occupant restraint systems comprises an elongated housing having gas outlet openings, a sealed, rupturable gas generant cartridge positioned within the housing, and pyrotechnic gas generant contained in the cartridge in the form of a plurality of wafers having openings defining a central passage. An igniter capsule mounted at one end of the housing has an exit opening juxtaposed the sealed gas generant cartridge and the central passage of the gas generant therein. The igniter capsule contains ignitor material, and an initiator and initiator charge. The initiator ignites the ignitor material which expels a fireball of hot combustion products from the capsules exit opening, rupturing the sealed cartridge and igniting the gas generant charge to produce gas for inflating an air bag. A rupturable seal is provided over the exit opening of the ignitor capsule and a nozzle directs hot combustion products to the gas generant cartridge. The initiator charge is auto ignitor material for operating the gas generator if it is exposed to fire. The ignitor capsule comprises overlapping metal parts, and is mounted as a closure of the elongated housing. The gas generant cartridge is placed in the housing surrounded by filtering and cooling screens. One end of the rupturable gas generant cartridge adjacent the ignitor capsule outlet is scored for rupturing inwardly to admit the ignitor fireball. The cartridge contains wraps of filter screen to provide structural rigidity, and additional filter and cooling materials surround the cartridge.

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First Claim