Robert C Zimbrich

US Patent:

6601872, Aug 5, 2003

Filed:

Aug 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/930475

Inventors:

Robert C. Zimbrich - Knoxville TN
Brian O. Thomas - Alcoa TN
Douglas H. Freel - Knoxville TN
James M. Rose - Knoxville TN
Darton E. Griest - Knoxville IN

Assignee:

Atlantic Research Corporation - Gainesville VA

International Classification:

B60R 2128

US Classification:

280737, 280741

Abstract:

A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end. The primary gas generating portion has a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, the initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. A pressure vessel closure is secured to the second end of the pressure vessel, the closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close the aperture. The gas storage portion has an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure. A secondary inflator of the all-pyrotechnic type is secured to the pressure vessel and closure at the second end thereof. The secondary inflator comprises a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein.

US Patent:

20090114109, May 7, 2009

Filed:

Nov 1, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/979298

Inventors:

Doug Overton - Knoxville TN, US
Tim Ellison - Knoxville TN, US
Robert Zimbrich - Knoxville TN, US
Barbara Shook - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

ARC AUTOMOTIVE INC. - Knoxville TN

International Classification:

C06C 5/06
B60R 21/26

US Classification:

102200, 280741

Abstract:

An igniter body for an airbag inflator comprising a stamped metal body portion having a generally annular flange and a central opening. A generally cylindrical plastic connector portion is disposed within the annular flange and is connected to the body portion. The connector portion may be integrally molded within the body portion. The central opening in the body portion is constructed to receive an initiator therein, and the connector portion is constructed to receive a power module therein for connection to an initiator disposed in the central opening and surrounded by a sleeve that is secured to the body portion to retain the initiator thereon.

US Patent:

62135031, Apr 10, 2001

Filed:

Nov 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/441214

Inventors:

Robert C. Zimbrich - Knoxville TN
David A. Bilbrey - Knoxville TN
Charles D. Rodgers - Maryville TN
Andrew C. Kohl - Knoxville TN
Donald W. Renfroe - Knoxville TN
Richard K. Robbins - Knoxville TN
Todd S. Carlson - Knoxville TN

Assignee:

Atlantic Research Corporation - Gainesville VA

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280736

Abstract:

A multi-level output inflator for air bags or the like, comprising a center bulkhead, a primary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to one side of the bulkhead, and a secondary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to the opposite side of the bulkhead. The primary gas generating unit comprises a primary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the primary pressure vessel. The secondary gas generating unit comprises a secondary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the secondary pressure vessel. The bulkhead comprises a first opening therein in communication with the primary pressure vessel and a primary outlet port in communication with the first opening. A second opening is provided in the bulkhead with is in communication with the secondary pressure vessel and a secondary outlet port. A primary burst disc is disposed between the first opening of the bulkhead and the primary pressure vessel, and a secondary burst disc is provided between the second bulkhead opening and the secondary pressure vessel.

US Patent:

20210053527, Feb 25, 2021

Filed:

Aug 22, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/547715

Inventors:

- Knoxville TN, US
Rebekah Reid - Lenoir City TN, US
James Rose - Knoxville TN, US
Robert Zimbrich - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

B60R 21/272
B60R 21/017
B60R 21/217
B60R 21/261
B60R 21/26

Abstract:

An airbag inflator includes a pressure vessel with a bottom portion, a top portion and a center structure connecting the bottom portion and the top portion. The top portion includes an exit orifice that is closed with a rupturable membrane. An energetics cover attached to the center structure houses a pyrotechnic material, and a diverter is attached to the top portion. The pressure vessel, the energetics cover and the diverter define a gas flow path from inside the energetics cover toward the bottom portion of the pressure vessel, the gas flow path turning at least a first 180 degrees toward the top portion of the pressure vessel and between the energetics cover and the pressure vessel. The longer gas flow path allows time for multi-perforation grain slivers to burn up before exiting the inflator, thereby reducing the amount of particulate exiting the inflator.