| abstract |
A hybrid inflator comprises an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium and a gas generator. The gas generator comprises a gas generator housing, a propellant contained within the gas generator housing, a gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects the gas generator housing and the inflator housing, and a gas generator outlet port which fluidly interconnects the gas generator housing and the air/safety bag. The inflator also includes a propellant ignition assembly interconnected with the gas generator and a valve operatively associated with the gas generator inlet port. The valve substantially inhibits flow between the inflator housing and the gas generator housing through the gas generator inlet port until a pressure within the inflator housing exceeds a pressure within the gas generator housing by a predetermined degree after the propellant ignition assembly is activated. |