Gas inflator for air bag or other safety device

A multi-level gas inflator for an air bag or other safety device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generant portion with a first open end and a secondary portion with a second open end. The primary gas generant portion has a primary ignition device and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein. The primary ignition device is mounted on the closes the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. The secondary portion may have a secondary ignition device and secondaray gas generating energetics disposed therein. A suitable gas under a predetermined pressure is present in the primary and secondary portions. One or more divider walls are disposed within the midportion of the pressure vessel to separate the primary and secondary portions. Vents are arranged on the divider walls. The midportion has a primary exit orifice and a secondary exit orifice, which are respectively covered with a membrane and communicated with the primary gas generant portion and the secondary portion.