Patent ID: 6979021

Claim:
An initiator assembly comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inside surface, the first end including an opening; an initiator canister joined to the body, the initiator canister including a header body forming an eyelet and an initiator cap connected to the header body and defining a charge chamber, the initiator cap having an outside surface with at least a portion of the outside surface separated from the body inside surface by a gas flow space, the initiator canister having a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first end opening wherein the initiator cap is in discharge alignment with the first end opening; a reactive charge disposed within the charge chamber; a conductive pin positioned within the eyelet, the conductive pin in actuating communication with the reactive charge; an interface material in direct contact with th initiator canister and the body, the interface material joining the initiator canister to the body; and the body having a thrust neutral gas exit area including at least two gas exit holes in the body and positioned radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the initiator canister, the gas exit holes in gas flow communication with the gas flow space to allow inflation gas to exit the gas exit holes; additionally comprising a projectile within the charge chamber, wherein the projectile is in direct contact with the reactive charge and is propelled in the direction of the first end opening upon actuation of the reactive charge.