Abstract: A collapsible steering column for use in an automotive vehicle having steering linkage, an instrument panel and a steering wheel, includes an upper sleeve having an axis and defining a rearwardly opening cavity and a rear end configured for connection to a steering wheel, the cavity having a rear wall; a lower shaft having an axis and a forward end configured for connection to vehicle steering linkage and having an upper end extending coaxially at least partially within the cavity; a spring disposed within the cavity between the shaft and the rear wall of the cavity; a mating configuration between the sleeve and the shaft for causing the sleeve and the shaft to rotated as a unit about their common axes; and, a detent assembly connected with the sleeve and the vehicle instrument panel for holding the sleeve conditionally against axial movement unless sufficient axial force is applied to the sleeve.

Abstract: A motor vehicle occupant safety device has a canister of inflator gas secured outside the passenger compartment. At least one air bag is connected to the source, and at least a portion of the air bag is stowed in the “A” pillar generally laterally relative to the passenger-side occupant prior to collision. An airtight frangible seal separates the source from the air bag. Upon collision, an electrical signal causes the seal to rupture which allows the pressurized gas to flow freely into the air bag. As the bag inflates, it moves laterally across the front of the occupant rather than toward him producing a cushion in front of the occupant. There is also a novel air bag formed from an inner bag and an outer bag.

Abstract: A motor vehicle occupant safety device has a canister of inflator gas secured outside the passenger compartment. At least one air bag is connected to the source, and at least a portion of the air bag is stowed in the “A” pillar generally laterally relative to the passenger-side occupant prior to collision. An airtight frangible seal separates the source from the air bag. Upon collision, an electrical signal causes the seal to rupture which allows the pressurized gas to flow freely into the air bag. As the bag inflates, it moves laterally across the front of the occupant rather than toward him producing a cushion in front of the occupant. There is also a novel air bag formed from an inner bag and an outer bag.

Abstract: A collapsible instrument panel and air bag combination for a motor vehicle has an elongated hollow cylinder slidably mounted on a piston. The space between the interior wall of the cylinder and the piston is sealed in a gas-tight fashion. A valve is attached to the top of the cylinder, and the instrument panel is connected to the valve so that the cylinder, valve, and instrument panel move axially as a single unit relative to the piston. The valve has a frangible seal hermetically secured inside it so that the top of the piston, the interior wall of the cylinder and the seal define an air-tight cavity. Prior to collision, the cavity is under pressure such that the cylinder and thus, the instrument panel is supported by a column of pressurized gas. A coil spring inside the cylinder urges the piston and the bottom of the cylinder apart. The seal has a bore with an explosive compound in it. Lead lines connect the explosive compound with an electronic collision sensor.

Abstract: A steering column safety device for use in a motor vehicle having a steering wheel for communicating steering torque to a steering mechanism, and having a collision sensing assembly for sensing a collision, includes a hollow cylinder having a top end and a bottom end, the top end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to a steering wheel; a piston residing within the cylinder for sliding, telescopic reciprocation between an extended position and a collapsed position; an elongated rod with first and second ends, the first end being secured to the piston and the second end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to the steering mechanism; structure for transmitting torque between the cylinder and the rod; a sealing assembly for sealing the hollow cylinder to define a fluid-tight cavity within the hollow cylinder between the piston and the top end of the cylinder, the fluid-tight cavity containing prior-to-collision pressurized gas; and, a mechanism to r

Abstract: A collapsible steering column for a motor vehicle has an elongated hollow cylinder slidably mounted on a piston while also fast to the piston for rotary movement. The space between the interior wall of the cylinder and the piston is sealed in a gas-tight fashion. A head is attached to the top of the cylinder. The head has a frangible seal hermetically secured inside it so that the top of the piston, the interior wall of the cylinder and the seal define an air cavity. The cavity is under pressure such that the cylinder is supported by a column of pressurized gas. A coil spring inside the cylinder urges the piston and the bottom of the cylinder apart. The seal has a bore in which resides an explosive compound. Lead lines connect the explosive compound with an electronic collision sensor, which is located in the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: Combined air bag device and steering column, for use on a vehicle having collision-sensing means and a steering wheel to communicate steering directions to steering mechanism, comprises in one embodiment a hollow tubular steering column connected at its upper end to the steering wheel and at its lower end to the steering mechanism. An elongated tubular reservoir containing pressurized fluid prior to collision is mounted within the hollow tubular steering column, and has an outlet at the upper end thereon. An inflatable cushion is mounted on the steering wheel and closure means is interposed between the outlet of the reservoir and the inlet of the cushion. Opening means, responsive to a signal generated by the collision-sensing means, rapidly opens the closure means thereby to inflate the cushion.

Abstract: Air bag device, for use on a vehicle having collision sensing means, comprises a reservoir of pressurized fluid sealed by a frangible plate and an inflatable cushion connected to the reservoir. A striking member, having a piston at one end and a conical point at the other end, is slidably mounted in a cylinder in the reservoir. Lead styphnate and a length of electrically heated nichrome wire are positioned in the cylinder adjacent the piston. If a collision occurs, the collision sensing means sends an electrical signal, through wiring passing through a hermetic seal in the reservoir, to the length of nichrome wire which ignites the lead styphnate, generating combustion gases which bear against the piston thereby rapidly driving the conical point of the striking member into the frangible plate to shatter it, releasing pressurized fluid from the reservoir into the cushion to inflate it.

Abstract: A safety device is described for use with a vehicle. The device incorporates mechanical cutting means which, in response to a collision, positively cut a seal that fluidally separates a source of pressurized fluid from an air bag. Sensing means are also included which detect a collision and cause the mechanical cutting means to actuate, thus inflating the air bag and protecting occupants of the vehicle. Also described is a manifold which fluidally couples a plurality of sensing means to a plurality of air bags. Upon one or more sensing means detecting a collision, the manifold actuates one or more air bags. A brittle seal, such as tempered glass, is shattered for instantaneous liberation of pressurized fluid. A filter removes debris from the shattered seal.

Abstract: A safety device is described for use with a vehicle. The device incorporates mechanical cutting means which, in response to a collision, positively cut a seal that fluidally separates a source of pressurized fluid from an air bag. Sensing means are also included which detect a collision and cause the mechanical cutting means to actuate, thus inflating the air bag and protecting occupants of the vehicle. Also described is a manifold which fluidally couples a plurality of sensing means to a plurality of air bags. Upon one or more sensing means detecting a collision, the manifold actuates one or more air bags.