Method and apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint

Apparatus for igniting a body of ignitable gas generating material which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint, the body of gas generating material having an ignitable surface portion, said apparatus comprising:

• a body of pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, emits combustion products;
• and
• igniter means for igniting said body of pyrotechnic material and for igniting the body of gas generating material by dispersing said combustion products over the ignitable surface portion of the body of gas generating material;
• said igniter means dispersing said combustion products by moving said body of pyrotechnic material from a first location to a second location when said body of pyrotechnic material is burning, said first and second locations being spaced from each other across the ignitable surface portion of the body of gas generating material.

Apparatus for use in inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint, said apparatus comprising:

• a body of ignitable gas generating material which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint, said body of gas generating material having an ignitable surface portion;
• a body of pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, emits combustion products;
• and
• means for igniting said body of pyrotechnic material and for moving said body of pyrotechnic material from a first location to a second location when said body of pyrotechnic material is burning thereby igniting the body of gas generating material by dispersing said combustion products over said ignitable surface portion, said first and second locations being spaced from each other across said ignitable surface portion of said body of gas generating material.