US5167426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Auto-ignition device for an air bag inflator
Assignee: ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc
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Filing: 1991-12-17
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Granted: 1992-12-01
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Expires: 2011-12-17
Abstract
Abstract An air bag inflator is provided with a new and useful auto-ignition device. The auto-ignition device comprises a thermoelectric battery, preferably located outside of the inflator housing. The thermoelectric battery is adapted to become electrochemically active in a predetermined temperature range (e.g. 300°-400° F.), and to provide an electrical signal which actuates the inflator.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph J. Mihm
- 👤 Ponget P. Wipasuramonton
- 👤 James M. Kumkoski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 16:29
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/017; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/26; B60R21/264; B60R21/2644; F; F42; F42B; F42B39/00; F42B39/14; H; H01; H01M; H01M6/00; H01M6/30; H01M6/36; B60R2021/26029
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
Apparatus comprising: an air bag inflator comprising a housing and gas generant material disposed in said housing, said gas generant material having a predetermined temperature at which said gas generant material will ignite; an initiator engaged with said housing, said initiator being adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal and, upon actuation, to ignite said gas generant; and an auto-ignition sensing device which is electrically connected with said initiator and which is adapted to actuate said initiator when said auto-ignition sensing device senses a predetermined auto-ignition temperature, said predetermined auto-ignition temperature being less than said ignition temperature of said gas generant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus comprising: an air bag inflator comprising a housing and gas generant material disposed in said housing, said gas generant material having a predetermined temperature at which said gas generant material will ignite; an initiator engaged with said housing, said initiator being adapted to be actuated by an electrical signal and, upon actuation, to ignite said gas generant; and an auto-ignition sensing device which is electrically connected with said initiator and which is adapted to actuate said initiator when said auto-ignition sensing device senses a predetermined auto-ignition temperature, said predetermined auto-ignition temperature being less than said ignition temperature of said gas generant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said auto-ignition sensing device comprises a thermoelectric battery adapted to produce an electrical current when said thermoelectric battery is exposed to said predetermined auto-ignition temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing is made of aluminum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said housing is made of aluminum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said predetermined auto-ignition temperature is in the range of 300°-400° F.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said predetermined auto-ignition temperature is in the range of 300°-400° F.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said housing is made of aluminum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said housing is made of aluminum.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-01 | 1996-06-01 | 1996-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-01 | 2000-06-01 | 2000-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-01 | 2004-06-01 | 2004-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |