Patent ID: 6983955
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: B60R,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an actuatable vehicle occupant protection device; at least one multi-layered device including: an outer layer having a plurality of individually rupturable segments; a middle layer having a plurality of individual chambers associated in a one-to-one relationship with said rupturable segments of said outer layer and being closed by said rupturable segments, each one of said chambers having contents heatable to increase the pressure in said chamber; and a base layer having a plurality of individually energizable electric heating elements associated in a one-to-one relationship with said chambers for, when energized, heating the contents of said chambers; each one of said rupturable segments being rupturable due to an increase in pressure in its associated chamber to enable flow of fluid out of said chamber; and means for selectively energizing said individually energizable electric heating elements.