US5100172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflator module
Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc
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Filing: 1991-04-12
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Granted: 1992-03-31
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Expires: 2011-04-12
Abstract
Abstract An airbag inflator comprises a housing having a frontal opening for the deployment of an airbag and a plurality of air aspirating and exhaust ports in the sidewalls thereof. An airbag is folded into the housing so as to overlie and close the ports in the sidewalls thereof. The airbag covers the ports in the housing during initial deployment of the airbag but subsequent deployment of the airbag opening the ports to first permit aspiration of the air into the housing and subsequently permit exhaust of air outwardly of the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt L. VanVoorhies
- 👤 Donald J. Mecsey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:37
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/26; B60R21/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An airbag inflator comprising A housing having a frontal opening for the deployment of an airbag and a plurality of dual purpose air aspirating and exhaust ports in the sidewalls thereof, an airbag secured to said housing about the frontal opening therein, said airbag being normally folded into said housing so as to overlie and close the ports in the sidewalls thereof, and means for generating a gas to deploy said airbag through the frontal opening in said housing, said airbag covering the ports in said housing during initial deployment of the airbag but subsequent deployment of said airbag opening said ports to first permit aspiration of air into said housing and subsequently permit exhaust of air outwardly of said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An airbag inflator comprising A housing having a frontal opening for the deployment of an airbag and a plurality of dual purpose air aspirating and exhaust ports in the sidewalls thereof, an airbag secured to said housing about the frontal opening therein, said airbag being normally folded into said housing so as to overlie and close the ports in the sidewalls thereof, and means for generating a gas to deploy said airbag through the frontal opening in said housing, said airbag covering the ports in said housing during initial deployment of the airbag but subsequent deployment of said airbag opening said ports to first permit aspiration of air into said housing and subsequently permit exhaust of air outwardly of said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An airbag inflator in accordance with claim 1 including a flapper valve in said housing initially controlled by said airbag for first precluding aspiration of air into said housing, thence subsequently precluding exhaust of gas out of said housing through some of said ports whereby a differential is achieved between the aspiration and venting of air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An airbag inflator in accordance with claim 2 wherein said flapper valve automatically closes some of said ports upon flow of gas therethrough out of said housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-31 | 1995-09-30 | 1996-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-31 | 1999-09-30 | 2000-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-09-30 | 2004-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |