Single pyrotechnic hybrid inflator

An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:

• a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end;
• a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
• the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;
• the generator assembly includes a hollow generator housing extending into an open end of the manifold assembly, and includes a first housing end and a second housing end, the first housing end secured proximate the open end of the manifold assembly, the second housing end includes at least one opening positioned apart and generally in line with the manifold opening, wherein the manifold assembly is welded to the sleeve in a manner to permit the unobstructed migration of stored gas to the point of weld.

An inflator for an air cushion, comprising:

• a hollow cylindrical sleeve closed at one end thereof, including a fill means for receiving inflation gas extending through the closed end and open at an opposite end;
• a generator housing assembly for enclosing the sleeve comprising a hollow manifold assembly, recessed into the sleeve and secured at the opposite end thereof;
• the manifold assembly and sleeve comprising a pressure vessel to store the inflation gas at a determinable pressure, the manifold assembly including a manifold opening enclosed by a frangible member comprising a rupturable disk, forming part of the pressure vessel, the manifold assembly further including flow control means for controlling the flow of inflation gas, from the pressure vessel;
• the generator assembly includes a hollow, generator housing extending into and secured to the manifold assembly, a quantity of propellant resident in the generator housing and a pyrotechnic actuator means for initiating, upon activation, the burning of the propellant, wherein the manifold assembly is welded to the sleeve in a manner to permit the unobstructed migration of stored gas to the point of weld.