Side impact air bag inflator

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

• pressure vessel means for defining a sealed chamber containing inflation fluid under pressure, said pressure vessel means including a rupturable closure wall which blocks said inflation fluid from exiting said chamber;
• initiator means for releasing said inflation fluid to exit said chamber, said initiator means including a casing centered on an axis, said casing containing pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, produces combustion products for rupturing said closure wall;
• and
• filter means for filtering said inflation fluid, said filter means including a sintered metal screen, said sintered metal screen having an elongated tubular shape and extending longitudinally over said casing radially outward from said casing;
• said sintered metal screen having a crimped portion which is crimped against said initiator means.

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

• pressure vessel means for defining a sealed chamber containing inflation fluid under pressure, said pressure vessel means including a rupturable closure wall which blocks said inflation fluid from exiting said chamber;
• initiator means for releasing said inflation fluid to exit said chamber, said initiator means including a casing centered on an axis, said casing containing pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, produces combustion products for rupturing said closure wall;
• and
• filter means for filtering said inflation fluid, said filter means including a sintered metal screen, said sintered metal screen having an elongated tubular shape and extending longitudinally over said casing radially outward from said casing;
• said sintered metal screen supporting said initiator means in a position from which said casing directs said combustion products toward said closure wall.