Patent ID: 6089601
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus comprising:an inflator defining an inflation fluid pressure chamber and having an end wall, said end wall being a monolithic structure and including a fluid exit opening through which inflation fluid flows to exit from the inflator and a fluid flow path extending between said chamber and said exit opening; andan initiator assembly attached to said end wall; anda modular valve assembly comprising a plurality of parts that are interconnected separately from said inflator, said parts including a spool and a tubular valve housing containing and supporting said spool for movement within said valve housing, said modular valve assembly having an installed position in which said valve housing extends longitudinally across said flow path,said end wall further defining a valve compartment in which said valve housing is receivable and movable longitudinally across said flow path upon movement of said modular valve assembly to said installed position,said inflator having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal central axis, said valve housing having an axis which is transverse to said longitudinal central axis and extending longitudinally across a portion of said flow path that extends radially of said longitudinal central axis.