Patent ID: 7004500
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A dual stage inflator for a vehicular airbag system, the inflator comprising: a first gas chamber having an exit orifice, the exit orifice having an open configuration and a closed configuration; a second gas chamber; a flow restrictor positioned between the first gas chamber and the second gas chamber; an initiator to selectively initiate a flow of gas through the exit orifice, wherein the flow of gas comprises a first flow of gas from the first gas chamber and a second flow of gas from the second gas chamber, wherein the second flow of gas flows through the first gas chamber, and wherein the first flow of gas is sufficient to fully inflate an airbag and the second flow maintains the airbag in an inflated state; and a burst disc retention member positioned within the inflator such that the flow of gas passes through the burst disc retention member prior to entering the airbag, wherein the burst disc retention member is located along the longitudinal axis of the inflator and is positioned between a burst disc that seals the first chamber and an ejection nozzle through which the flow of gas enters the airbag.