Patent ID: 7469926

Claim:
In an inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system, the inflator device including a supply of gas generant material disposed within a sealed chamber and an initiator device in reaction initiation combination with the supply of gas generant material, the improvement comprising: a venting orifice connecting the chamber to an ambient environment; a rupturable seal sealing the venting orifice, wherein upon reaction initiation of the gas generant material, the rupturable seal ruptures to vent the chamber to the ambient environment; and a valve comprising a valve assembly disposed adjacent the venting orifice, wherein the valve is closable to block venting through the venting orifice upon rupture of the rupturable seal, the valve assembly comprising: a valve passageway aligned with the venting orifice; a valve piston moveable within the valve passageway; and a valve actuator device for moving the valve piston within the valve passageway, wherein upon actuation of the valve actuator, the valve piston moves to at least partially block venting through the venting orifice.