Patent ID: 6196582
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An inflator for providing variable output inflation of an air bag cushion; the inflator comprising:a first chamber for storing an inert gas;a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber,a third chamber in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, the third chamber for storing a heat modifier for varying a heat value of the inert gas;a pyrotechnic device having a combustible material for heating the inert gas;a first initiator for actuating the pyrotechnic device upon first and second deployment conditions;a second initiator for opening the third chamber to the second chamber, actuation of the second initiator causing the heat modifier to fluidly communicate with the combustible material and vary the heat value of the inert gas during a combustion process, the second initiator being actuated during second deployment conditions; anda diffuser having a vent port for releasing the heated inert gas from the inflator.