Patent ID: 6601872
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising:an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end; said primary gas generating portion having a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, said initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing said pressure vessel at said first open end; a pressure vessel closure secured to said second end of said pressure vessel, said closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close said aperture; said gas storage portion having an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure; and a secondary inflator of the all-pyrotechnic type secured to said pressure vessel and closure at said second end, said secondary inflator comprising a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein, and a choke plate positioned between said secondary energetics and said pressure vessel closure, said choke plate having an opening therethrough and a secondary rupture disk secured thereto to close said opening; said pressure vessel having an indentation therein for defining said primary gas generating portion and said gas storage portion; and said primary gas generating portion having disposed therein a support ring in engagement with said indentation, and a primary grain trap disposed adjacent to said support ring and having an apertured base disposed adjacent to said primary energetics.