US 6,183,007 B2 · Thrust-neutral inflator manifold

Abstract

An apparatus (12) includes an elongated pressure vessel (30) containing a source of inflation fluid for a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (12) further includes an inflation fluid outlet manifold (32) at one end (34) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) has outlet openings (60, 62) defining first and second outlet flow areas. The manifold (32) is configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the first outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) is further configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the second outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a second, opposite direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30).

Claims9

Dependent claims

Apparatus comprising:

an elongated pressure vessel having a longitudinal axis, said pressure vessel containing a source of inflation fluid for a vehicle occupant protection device;
and
an inflation fluid outlet manifold at one end of said pressure vessel, said manifold having openings defining first and second outlet flow areas;
said manifold being configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through said first outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a first direction parallel to said axis from said one end of said pressure vessel toward an opposite end of said pressure vessel, and being configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through said second outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a second direction parallel to said axis and opposite said first direction, said first outlet flow area being greater than said second outlet flow area.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Thrust-neutral inflator manifold

Life of this patent

Thrust-neutral inflator manifold

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9