Apparatus for providing inflator thrust neutrality

摘要

An apparatus ( 12 ) includes an inflator ( 50 ) that is actuatable for providing inflation fluid. First structure ( 110 ) that is associated with the inflator ( 50 ) includes a plurality of first flow passages ( 150 ) that are sized and positioned relative to one another so as to provide thrust neutrality to the apparatus ( 10 ) when inflation fluid exits the apparatus ( 12 ) through the first flow passages ( 150 ) in a first condition of the inflator ( 50 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) also includes second structure ( 162 ) that is associated with the inflator ( 50 ). The second structure ( 162 ) blocks fluid flow through the first flow passages ( 150 ) and provides fluid flow through a second passage ( 172 ) in a second condition of the inflator ( 50 ).