초록 ▼

A hybrid inflator that includes a solid propellant and a pressurized medium comprising oxygen and at least one inert gas is provided. The solid propellant can be fuel-rich in that without excess oxygen it generates significant amounts of CO and H.sub.2. The at least one inert gas is contained in an

A hybrid inflator that includes a solid propellant and a pressurized medium comprising oxygen and at least one inert gas is provided. The solid propellant can be fuel-rich in that without excess oxygen it generates significant amounts of CO and H.sub.2. The at least one inert gas is contained in an inflator housing and the amount thereof is greater, on a molar basis, than the oxygen. The propellant has acceptable long-term stability in that such propellant does not ignite when exposed to a temperature of 107.degree. C. for a period of 400 hours.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An inflator for inflating an inflatable in a vehicle, comprising:an inflator housing;a gas generator assembly interconnected with said inflator housing and including a gas generator housing;a solid propellant including a secondary explosive that constitutes at least 50% b

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An inflator for inflating an inflatable in a vehicle, comprising:an inflator housing;a gas generator assembly interconnected with said inflator housing and including a gas generator housing;a solid propellant including a secondary explosive that constitutes at least 50% by weight of said propellant, and wherein said propellant has the property that said propellant remains functional in the inflator when subject to a temperature of 107.degree. C. for a period of 400 hours and, when the inflator is activated, said solid propellant produces propellant gases that include amounts of carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas;a pressurized medium stored in said inflator housing that includes at least one inert gas and oxygen, wherein said at least one inert gas, on a molar basis, is greater in amount than any nitrogen present in said pressurized medium and said oxygen is less in amount, on a molar basis, than said at least one inert gas and in which at least a majority, on a molar basis, of said pressurized medium is different from air and, when the inflator is activated, said oxygen combines with said carbon monoxide gas and said hydrogen gas to reduce said amounts thereof, said at least one inert gas and said oxygen together with said propellant gases, providing inflation gases that are received by the inflatable, with substantially all of said inflation gases that are received by the inflatable being said propellant gases said at least one inert gas and said oxygen, and in which said inflation gases are produced substantially independently of any flammable fuel gas; andan inflator activation assembly for use in activating said propellant.