Patent ID: 6367838
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said apparatus comprising:a container; a refrigerant under pressure in said container in a liquid state; said container being openable to enable said refrigerant to flow out of said container into the inflatable device; at least a portion of said refrigerant that flows from said container vaporizing to a gaseous state to help inflate the inflatable device; an aspiration passage enabling aspiration of ambient air into the inflatable device with said refrigerant to help inflate the inflatable device, said aspirated air mixing with said refrigerant as said aspirated air and said refrigerant flow into the inflatable device; at least a portion of said refrigerant that flows from said container being located in the inflatable device in a liquid state with said aspirated air and thereafter changing from the liquid state to the gaseous state while in the inflatable device to help maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.