Patent ID: 7721915

Claim:
An apparatus for inflating an inflatable device comprising: a first stage gas source comprising a first stage pressure vessel having an interior volume and a gas exit opening, a pressurized cold gas stored within the interior volume of said first stage pressure vessel, and a remotely actuated valve in fluid communication with said gas exit opening, said remotely actuated valve being responsive to an external signal for opening to provide a gas flow path between said first stage pressure vessel and said inflatable device; a second stage gas source comprising a second stage pressure vessel having an interior volume and a gas output opening directed into said first stage pressure vessel, said second stage gas source further comprising a pyrotechnic gas generating material disposed in the interior volume of said second stage pressure vessel, said pyrotechnic gas generating material being capable of combusting to form a gaseous combustion product; a frangible diaphragm disposed in said gas output opening of said second stage pressure vessel for separating the interior volume of said second stage pressure vessel from the interior volume of said first stage pressure vessel, said frangible diaphragm being rupturable to provide a gas flow path between said second stage pressure vessel and said first stage pressure vessel; and an eroding nozzle disposed in said gas output opening of said second stage pressure vessel, said eroding nozzle providing a flow restriction that decreases in resistance as said gaseous combustion products pass through said eroding nozzle.