Patent ID: 6983956
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An inflator comprising: a first igniter for igniting a gas generant disposed in a first combustion chamber; a second igniter for igniting a gas generant disposed in a second combustion chamber; a divider plate for dividing the inflator into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, the divider plate has an opening therethrough located off center axis, the divider plate has a generally flat shape therewith, wherein the divider plate prevents sympathetic ignition of the gas generant, the divider plate having a cylindrical protrusion extending in the direction of the upper housing whereby the cylindrical protrusion engages with the enhancer tube; and a single enhancer tube extending from the first combustion chamber to the second combustion chamber through the opening of the divider plate, wherein the lower housing has a plurality of second exit ports arranged around the circumference thereof, the upper housing has a plurality of first exit ports arranged around the circumference thereof, an inflation gas produced by the burning of the gas generant in the first combustion chamber flows out of the inflator via the first exit ports, and an inflation gas produced by the burning of the gas generant in the second combustion chamber flows out of the inflator via the second exit ports.