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US 6,186,540 B1Granted
Method of filling an empty, flexible container, and a container device
AssigneeAGA Aktiebolag
InventorHans Edgren
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AssigneeAGA Aktiebolag
InventorHans Edgren
Estimating the term…
The present invention relates to apparatus for filling an empty, flexible container (8) with gas essentially instantaneously when subjected to powerful retardation forces, wherein the gas-filled container (8) functions as a force-absorbing cushion which protects against injuries, wherein the apparatus includes pressure receptacles (1, 2) which is filled with gas under high pressure, a conduit (5) which connects the receptacles (1, 2) with the container (8), means for opening the connection between the receptacles (1, 2) and the flexible container (8) when subjected to retardation forces that exceed a smallest value, a container-holding device (7), and a retardation meter. The vessel is comprised of two pressure receptacles (1, 2) which are each sealed by means of a closure means and each of which has a respective connection conduit (3 and 4) which joins pressure receptacles (1, 2) to the flexible container (8). One pressure receptacle (1) contains oxygen and an inert gas while the other receptacle (2) contains inert gas and hydrogen, wherein the inert gas is helium, argon and/or nitrogen.
A method of filling an empty, flexible container to be provided in a vehicle with a gas when the container is subjected to a powerful retardation, wherein the gas-filled container functions as a force absorbing cushion which protects against injuries, said method comprising the following steps of operation:
A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first filling step comprises partly filling the container by supplying at least one gas to said container.
A container device for a vehicle, comprising a flexible container (1) provided to be filled with gas when the container device is subjected to a powerful retardation and thereby to function as a force absorbing cushion which protects against injuries, said container device comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.