Patent ID: 7093852

Claim:
An inflator comprising: a structure defining first and second chambers, said first chamber being for containing a volume of fluid under pressure wherein said fluid comprises a non-pyrotechnic material, said second chamber being in fluid communication with an outlet passage for directing fluid from the inflator; a closure member openable to release said fluid to flow out of said first chamber; an initiator actuatable to open said closure member; and a filter disposed in said second chamber, wherein said filter comprises a ring-shaped top wall, a ring shaped bottom wall, and a cylindrical side wall extending between said top wall and said bottom wall, said side wall including a plurality of apertures through which said fluid flows to said outlet passage, wherein said ring shaped top wall and said ring shaped bottom wall project radially beyond said cylindrical side wall, said top wall of said filter engaging an annular portion of said initiator and said bottom wall engaging an annular surface in said second chamber, said initiator urging said bottom wall against said annular surface to clamp said filter in said second chamber between said initiator and said annular surface said fluid being directed from said first chamber into said second chamber and through said filter into said outlet passage upon opening of said closure member.