# US 9,073,512 B1 · Gas generating system with gas generant cushion > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,073,512 B1 - Document ID: US9073512B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 13/949,205 - Filed: 2013-07-23 - Granted: 2015-07-07 - Earliest claimed: 2012-07-23 - Assignees: TK Holdings Inc. - Applicants: TK Holdings Inc. - Inventors: Brian A. Mayville; Christian P. Thompson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9073512B1 ## CPC - B60R 21/264: using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic (B60R21/268 takes precedence) - C06D 5/00: Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets (explosive compositions containing an oxidizer, fuels for rocket engines intended for reaction with an oxidant other than air C06B) - C06D 5/06: by reaction of two or more solids - B60R 2021/2642: {comprising a plurality of combustion chambers or sub-chambers} - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - C06D: MEANS FOR GENERATING SMOKE OR MIST; GAS-ATTACK COMPOSITIONS; GENERATION OF GAS FOR BLASTING OR PROPULSION (CHEMICAL PART) (fuels C10) ## Abstract A gas generator contains a housing having a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within the housing; a first gas generant contained within the first combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant; and a booster chamber contained within the housing, the booster chamber extending through the first gas generant cushion to physically communicate with the second end of the housing. The gas generant cushion may have at least one concave cavity formed on one side of the cushion for providing an enhanced propellant cushion. A vehicle occupant protection system incorporating this gas generator is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A gas generator comprising: a housing containing a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within said housing; a second combustion chamber contained within said housing, said second combustion chamber containing at least one gas exit aperture proximate to said second end of said housing; a first gas generant contained within said first combustion chamber; a second gas generant contained within said second combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant, the first gas generant cushion including a first inner wall, a second inner wall, and at least a first concave cavity defined within at least one of the first inner wall and the second inner wall; and a booster chamber contained within said housing and extending from said first end to said second end, said booster chamber extending through said first gas generant cushion and in physical communication with said second end of said housing. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said first combustion chamber extends from said first end to said second end, through said first gas generant cushion, and in physical communication with said second end. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said at least one gas exit aperture of said second combustion chamber is sealed with at least one removable plug prior to actuation of said gas generator. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said first gas generant cushion is contoured about a portion of a periphery of said second combustion chamber. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said first gas generant cushion comprises said first concave cavity defined within said first inner wall and a second concave cavity defined within said second inner wall. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said first gas generant cushion comprises said at least first concave cavity defined within said first inner wall and said second inner wall. ### Claim 7 A gas generator comprising: a housing containing a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within said housing; a first gas generant contained within said first combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant, the first cushion defining at least a first blind cavity therein; and a booster chamber contained within said housing, said booster chamber extending through said first gas generant cushion and in physical communication with said second end of said housing. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 wherein the at least a first cavity opens in a direction toward the one of either the first end or the second end. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 further comprising: a second combustion chamber contained within said housing; and a second gas generant contained within said second combustion chamber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The gas generator of claim 9 wherein said second combustion chamber extends through said first gas generant cushion and physically communicates with said second end. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 wherein the first blind cavity is interposed between the first gas generant and the one of either the first end or the second end. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 wherein said first gas generant cushion is formed in the shape of an annulus or donut. ### Claim 13 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 wherein said first gas generant cushion comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall, and wherein the at least a first cavity is defined within at least one of the first inner wall and the second inner wall. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The gas generator of claim 13 wherein said first gas generant cushion comprises said first cavity defined within said first inner wall and a second blind cavity defined within said second inner wall. ### Claim 15 (depends on 7) The gas generator of claim 7 wherein said first gas generant cushion is formed from desiccant and silicone. ### Claim 16 A gas generator comprising: a housing containing a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within said housing; a first gas generant contained within said first combustion chamber; and a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant, said first gas generant cushion comprising a first inner wall, a second inner wall, and at least a first concave cavity defined within said first inner wall and/or said second inner wall. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The gas generator of claim 16 further comprising: a booster chamber contained within said housing, said booster chamber extending through said first gas generant cushion and in physical communication with said second end of said housing. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The gas generator of claim 16 wherein said first gas generant cushion comprises said first concave cavity defined within said first inner wall and a second concave cavity defined within said second inner wall. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) A vehicle occupant protection system comprising the gas generator of claim 16.