Variable output inflator

A multi-stage air bag inflator for a vehicle comprising:

• a. a housing being divided into at least two chambers which are adjacent to each other and separated by an impermeable bulkhead;
• b. a first combustion chamber containing a solid gas producing material;
• provided in one of the at least two chambers;
• c. a second combustion chamber containing a solid gas producing material provided in another one of the at least two chambers;
• d. a first ignition means for igniting said gas producing material in the first combustion chamber;
• e. a filter/cooling chamber associated with said first combustion chamber;
• f. a second ignition means for igniting said gas producing material in said second combustion chamber;
• g. a filter/cooling chamber associated with said second combustion chamber, said filter chambers are positioned between said combustion chambers and said bulkhead, wherein the filter chambers, combustion chambers, and the bulkhead are in a positional relationship that requires the gases generated by said solid gas producing material to travel from the combustion chamber through the filter before impacting upon said bulkhead;
• and
• h. apertures in said first and second filter/cooling chambers, wherein said apertures are sealed with a foil.