Patent ID: 7347449

Claim:
An inflator comprising a gas storage container and a gas flow path through which inflation gas can pass to exit the inflator when the inflator is activated, the gas storage container having an outlet opening that is closed by a sealing element and the gas flow path includes a variable gas flow throttle member located inside the gas storage container upstream in the gas flow path with respect to the outlet opening of the gas storage container, and having a first gas flow passageway therethrough, the first gas flow passageway in the variable gas flow throttle member having a first gas flow area that is varied, when the sealing element is opened during activation of the inflator, by a tab that is integral with the gas flow throttle member being bent towards the first gas flow passageway by a predetermined minimum gas pressure inside the gas storage container whereby the tab at least partially blocks the first gas flow passageway and reduces the first gas flow area of the first gas flow passageway through the variable gas flow throttle member, a second gas flow passageway extending through either the tab or through the gas flow throttle member at another location on the gas flow throttle member whereby the second gas flow passageway has a second gas flow area that is not varied by movement of the tab, and a positive thrust stop, the positive thrust stop preventing the tab from bending beyond a position where the first gas flow passageway is fully closed.