| abstract |
A gas generating apparatus (20) includes a propellantn(28) which generates gas on combustion, a confiningnmember (52) surrounding the propellant, and a timingnmember (96). Apertures (56) are spaced along the lengthnof the confining member (52) to allow gas generated byncombustion of the propellant (28) to pass into a chambernwithin the timing member (96). The gas then flowsnthrough apertures (100) in the timing member into (96) anninflatable (24), eg an air bag in a vehicle. Thenapertures (100) control the gas flow into the inflatablen(24) to ensure the desired rate of inflation. |