Abstract: An occupant classification system comprising: a seat upon which an occupant may sit or on which an object may be placed, the seat having one of a seat cushion and a seat back; at least one optical fiber having a measurable optical characteristic, arranged in a specific pattern, the optical characteristics of the fiber changeable when a force is applied to the fiber; and a processor responsive to an output signal from each fiber for generating a control signal determinative of a physical characteristic of an object or occupant on the seat.

Abstract: An energy management device has a plurality of electromagnets positioned between a shaft and a seatbelt spool. When energized, the electromagnets move radially outwardly to engage the inside surface of a hub of the seatbelt spool. By adjusting the amount of current supplied to the electromagnets, the amount of friction, and thus the amount of energy dissipated, can be controlled. A D-ring can be supported on the cable which goes to a spool so that during a crash the ring moves forward as cable is pulled out of the spool which in turn is braked by the energy management device.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly has an outer skin panel defining an exterior surface for a vehicle. An inner skin panel is spaced from the outer skin panel. One or more energy absorbing bodies are located between the inner skin panel and the outer skin panel such that the one or more energy absorbing bodies will be aligned with one or more hard points of the vehicle. The energy absorbing body may be a foam block or a hollow body such as a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An airbag module has an airbag inflator and an airbag. The airbag inflator inflates the airbag to form a frame with an opening. A support extends across the opening. The support may be a net.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly has an outer skin panel defining an exterior surface for a vehicle. An inner skin panel is spaced from the outer skin panel. One or more energy absorbing bodies is are located between the inner skin panel and the outer skin panel such that the one or more energy absorbing bodies will be aligned with one or more hard points of the vehicle. The energy absorbing body may be a foam block or a hollow body such as a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An airbag module has an airbag inflator and a vehicle hood airbag. The vehicle hood airbag is inflated by the airbag inflator and oriented to deploy at an acute angle over a vehicle hood. Following deployment, the vehicle airbag has an airbag length and an airbag width. The airbag length is sized to extend only substantially along the vehicle hood length while the airbag width is sized to extend substantially across a vehicle hood width.

Abstract: An occupant classification system comprising: a seat upon which an occupant may sit or on which an object may be placed, the seat having one of a seat cushion and a seat back; at least one optical fiber having a measurable optical characteristic, arranged in a specific pattern, the optical characteristics of the fiber changeable when a force is applied to the fiber; and a processor responsive to an output signal from each fiber for generating a control signal determinative of a physical characteristic of an object or occupant on the seat.

Abstract: A seat belt system for securing a seated occupant to a seat, the system comprising: a single continuous length of seat belt webbing, the seat belt including first and second ends; a first anchor located near the juncture of the seat belt and seat cushion with a buckle positioned on the other side of the cushion, a movable anchor guide or second web guide for orientating portions of the seat belt relative to the seat; second means for moving the seat belt away from the seat to encourage the occupant's entry onto the seat and for thereafter manipulating the seat belt about the seated occupant so that a portion of the seat belt forms a lap belt about the seated occupant and wherein other portions of the seat belt form two relatively criss-crossed shoulder belt segments of seat belt in front of the seated occupant.

Abstract: A pedestrian protecting device for a vehicle has an airbag having a first wall comprising a flexible layer and a second wall comprising a vehicle body panel. An inflatable interior cavity is formed between the first wall and the second wall. An inflator has a conduit to conduct inflation gas between the first wall and the second wall.

Abstract: A seat belt system for securing a seated occupant to a seat, the system comprising: a single continuous length of seat belt webbing, the seat belt including first and second ends; a first anchor located near the juncture of the seat belt and seat cushion with a buckle positioned on the other side of the cushion, a movable anchor guide or second web guide for orientating portions of the seat belt relative to the seat; second means for moving the seat belt away from the seat to encourage the occupant's entry onto the seat and for thereafter manipulating the seat belt about the seated occupant so that a portion of the seat belt forms a lap belt about the seated occupant and wherein other portions of the seat belt form two relatively criss-crossed shoulder belt segments of seat belt in front of the seated occupant.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the method and apparatus for forming air flow control orifices in a patient body temperature regulating blanket consisting of an inflated envelope defined by thin plastic film wherein temperature controlled air flows through the blanket orifices upon the patient's body. The blanket side disposed toward the patient is pierced by a sharp pointed punch having a plurality of intersecting facets defining sharpened intersecting edges. The punch apex and facet intersecting edges are related to the moving film in such a manner that the penetration of the punch forms a plurality of flexible valve flaps, and the valve flaps engaging the patient's body will be retained in a closed condition to restrain air flow through those orifices engaging the body to prevent exposure to excessive air temperatures.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the method for forming air flow control orifices in a patient body temperature regulating blanket consisting of an inflated envelope defined by thin plastic film wherein temperature controlled air flows through the blanket orifices upon the patient's body. The blanket side disposed toward the patient is pierced by a sharp pointed punch having a plurality of intersecting facets defining sharpened intersecting edges. The punch apex and facet intersecting edges are related to the moving film in such a manner that the penetration of the punch forms a plurality of flexible valve flaps, and the valve flaps engaging the patient's body will be retained in a closed condition to restrain air flow through those orifices engaging the body to prevent exposure to excessive air temperatures.