Patent ID: 7597353

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 to produce inflation gas upon reaction initiation, the improvement comprising: a reaction housing including a reaction housing side wall, the reaction housing at least in part defining a reaction chamber containing the supply of gas generant material; an initiator device connected to the reaction housing, the initiator device in reaction initiating communication with the supply of gas generant material; the reaction housing side wall including a plurality of reaction housing discharge openings, wherein upon reaction initiation of the supply of gas generant material, the inflation gas discharges from the reaction chamber through the reaction housing discharge openings; a strainer element disposed within the reaction housing and between the supply of gas generant material and the plurality of reaction housing discharge openings, the strainer element comprising a strainer side wall aligned with the reaction housing side wall and including a plurality of strainer discharge openings; a filter housing disposed around at least a portion of the reaction housing, the filter housing at least in part defining a filter chamber, the filter housing including an annular discharge opening, wherein the inflation gas discharges from the filter housing to the inflatable cushion through the annular discharge opening; and a filter disposed in the filter chamber and external of the reaction housing.