초록 ▼

An apparatus (2) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (4) for, when inflated, helping to protect a vehicle occupant. An inflator (10) is provided having a housing (12) defining a chamber (30). A mixture of gases (32) is stored in the chamber for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint

An apparatus (2) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (4) for, when inflated, helping to protect a vehicle occupant. An inflator (10) is provided having a housing (12) defining a chamber (30). A mixture of gases (32) is stored in the chamber for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint (4). A diode (60) is supported by the housing (12) and is exposed to the stored mixture of gases (32) in the chamber (30). An electrical property of the diode (60) is dependent upon the concentration of at least one of the gases in the mixture of gases (32) in the chamber (30). In a preferred embodiment, sensor means (70) is provided for sensing the electrical property of the diode (60). The sensor means (70) provides an output signal when the electrical property of the diode reaches a predetermined threshold indicating a reduction in the concentration of the one gas in the mixture of gases (32). Means responsive to the output signal (74) is provided for affecting vehicle occupant safety.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [3.] Apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint for, when inflated, helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision;an inflator having a housing defining a chamber;a mixture of gases stored under pressu

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [3.] Apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint for, when inflated, helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision;an inflator having a housing defining a chamber;a mixture of gases stored under pressure in said chamber for inflating said vehicle occupant restraint wherein at least one of said gases is hydrogen;a diode supported by said housing and exposed to said stored mixture of gases in said chamber, an electrical property of said diode being preferentially sensitive to the concentration of hydrogen in said chamber; andsensor means for sensing the electrical property of said diode and providing an output signal when the electrical property of said diode reaches a predetermined threshold indicating a reduction in the concentration of hydrogen in said chamber; andmeans responsive to said output signal for affecting vehicle occupant safety.