Universal squib connector for a gas generator

A universal squib connector in combination with a gas generator having an electric initiator or squib of the pin type with protruding pins and operative when electrically energized to provide ignition for said gas generator,

• said universal squib connector providing a permanent pig tail connection to said pin type squib and comprising,
• connecting terminals,
• a ferrite bead having holes therethrough in spaced relation, each of said holes having a first end and a second end, with one of said terminals positioned in one of said holes and another of said terminals positioned in another of said holes, the spacing of said holes being such as to allow each of the protruding pins of said squib to enter the first end of an individually associated one of said holes to make electrical contact with an individually associated one of said terminals, said ferrite bead providing EMI/RFI protection in a region surrounding said terminals, and
• a plurality of electrical input conductors for connecting an electrical circuit to said squib with each of said input conductors having an end positioned in the second end of an associated one of said holes in said ferrite bead and connected to the terminal positioned therein,
• wherein said ferrite bead and said terminals are encapsulated in a plastic molding with the holes in said ferrite bead extending through the plastic molding to allow entry of each of the protruding pins of said squib to enter the associated first end thereof and an end of each of said electrical conductors to enter the associated second end thereof,
• said gas generator having an external wall portion with a socket formed therein into which the protruding pins of said squib extend, with the shape of the plastic molding of said universal squib connector matching that of said socket whereby said universal squib connector is insertable in said socket with each of the terminals in electric contact with an individually associated protruding pin of said squib, and
• further including means to permanently retain said universal squib connector in said socket.

A gas generator comprising:

• a housing having a wall provided with outer orifices, in which wall a socket is formed, and including,
• a pin type squib having electrically conducting pins protruding from a portion thereof,
• an inner central chamber in which is placed said squib for ignition, said squib being positioned such that said pins thereof extend into said socket,
• an intermediate chamber containing a gas generant pyrotechnic composition,
• an outer chamber containing means for filtering and for communicating externally of the housing by way of said outer orifices, with at least said intermediate and outer chambers communicating through intermediate orifices,
• a universal squib connector for connecting said squib to a source of electrical current for initiating ignition, said universal squib connector being positioned in said socket and including holes therein into which said pins from said squib are received, said universal squib connector providing a permanent pig tail connection to said squib and comprising,
• connecting terminals,
• a ferrite bead having said holes therethrough in a spaced relationship, each of said holes having a first end and a second end, with one of said terminals positioned in one of said holes and another of said terminals positioned in another of said holes, the spacing of said holes being such as to allow each of the protruding pins of said squib to enter the first end of an individually associated one of said holes to make electrical contact with an individually associated one of said terminals, said ferrite bead providing EMI/RFI protection in a region surrounding said terminals, and
• a plurality of electrical input conductors providing a pig tail connection for connecting an electrical circuit to said squib with each of said input conductors having an end positioned in the second end of an associated one of said holes in said ferrite bead and connected to the terminal positioned therein.