Roy Lee Brown

US Patent:

53519884, Oct 4, 1994

Filed:

Apr 14, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/833240

Inventors:

Robert J. Bishop - Sterling Heights MI
Richard L. Frantom - Richmond MI
Robert M. Kremer - Fraser MI
Klaus F. Ocker - Fraser MI
Roy G. Brown - Hot Springs AR
James Ross - Fairfax VA
Donald W. Renfroe - Haymarket VA

Assignee:

AlliedSignal Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280737

Abstract:

An inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (10) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure vessel comprising a first burst disk (46) and a seal disk (310) both for selectively sealing same. The inflator (10) including a gas release mechanism (52, 300) for permitting the controlled, staged release of the inflation gas at determinable inflation rates. The gas release mechanism includes: a first pyrotechnic device, positioned outside of the pressure vessel and spaced from the first burst disk (46), including a piston (72) moved into a disk piercing position to rupture the first burst disk (46) in response to the buildup of pressure caused burning of a first quantity of propellant material (218). The bursting of the first burst disk permits the inflation gas to initially flow out of the pressure vessel at a determinable cold inflation rate, the piston thereafter provides a conduit to communicate the products of combustion of the burning propellent to the pressure means so as to increase the temperature of the inflation gas therein and thereby increase the rate of egress of the gas. The inflator (10) also includes a second pyrotechnic mechanism (300), positioned outside of the pressure vessel and spaced from the seal disk (310), for providing, when activated, additional products of combustion arising from burning of a second quantity of propellent material, the products of combustion opening the seal disk (310) and thereafter entering the pressure vessel to heat the inflation gas therein and thereby elevate the rate of egress of the inflation gas above the rate achievable by the first pyrotechnic device.