Patent ID: 6131948
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said apparatus comprising:a container defining a chamber containing fluid under pressure, said container having a first opening;said container including a frangible portion covering said first opening and blocking fluid flow from said chamber;means for defining a second opening in said apparatus, spaced apart from said first opening, through which fluid can flow from said first opening to the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device;a cutter movable in a first direction for cutting said frangible portion to release fluid to flow from said chamber through said first opening to said second opening, said cutter being movable in a second direction opposite the first direction for allowing an increasing flow of fluid through said second opening as said cutter moves in the second direction; andmeans for controlling the rate of flow of fluid through said second opening by resisting movement of said cutter in the second direction,means for controlling the rate of flow of fluid through said second opening comprises an elastomeric member engageable by said cutter to resist movement of said cutter in the second direction.