Patent ID: 6857657

Claim:
An inflator comprising: a tubular member having an open end; a sealing element for blocking an inert gas from escaping the tubular member, the sealing element connected to the open end of the tubular member; a support member for supporting the sealing element having an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion of the support member generally disposed between a tube and the sealing element, the tube providing a passageway for a combustion gas produced from an igniter to the inner portion of the tube, wherein a stream of combustion gas punches the inner portion out of the support member; a pyrotechnic heating material disposed adjacent to an igniter; wherein the tube is a jet tube providing a passageway from the pyrotechnic heating material to the support member, wherein ignition of the pyrotechnic heating material generates combustion gases that travel along the jet tube to the support member; and an igniter tube disposed between the igniter and the jet tube, wherein combustion gas from the pyrotechnic material travels from the igniter to the jet tube.