초록 ▼

An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable device (8) includes a container (12) defining a chamber (14) containing gas. The container (12) includes a rupturable wall (24) which is rupturable when the pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level. An igniter (46) spaced from the rupturab

An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable device (8) includes a container (12) defining a chamber (14) containing gas. The container (12) includes a rupturable wall (24) which is rupturable when the pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level. An igniter (46) spaced from the rupturable wall (24) produces a shock wave in the gas which ruptures the rupturable wall (24) prior to the gas pressure in the container (12) reaching the predetermined level.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.]1. An apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision;an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant restraint, said inf

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.]1. An apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision;an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant restraint, said inflator comprising:a container defining a chamber containing gas for inflating said vehicle occupant restraint, said container having a rupturable wall which is rupturable when the gas pressure in said container reaches a predetermined gas pressure and is rupturable by a shock wave, andand igniter for increasing the gas pressure and for producing a shock wave in said gas, said shock wave rupturing said rupturable wall prior to said gas pressure in said container reaching said predetermined gas pressure.