Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a self adjusting energy attenuating vehicle seating system configured to automatically compensate for variations in the weight of seated occupants. A seat is mounted in a vehicle and configured to stroke in a downward direction, generally toward a floor of the vehicle, with an adjustable energy attenuating device disposed in a load path between the seat and a rigid structural portion of the vehicle. A signal processor removes variations in a seat weight signal attributable to vehicle or occupant motion, and outputs an energy attenuator adjustment signal corresponding to the weight of a seated occupant. The system may further include an actuator configured to receive the energy attenuator adjustment signal and adjust a load setting feature of the energy attenuating device accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a vehicle electronic power system. In one exemplary embodiment an energy harvesting device is configured to generate electricity in response to vibration of the vehicle occurring during normal vehicle operation. The energy harvesting device may be tuned to a frequency that falls within a peak energy region in a vibration profile of the vehicle. The power system may further include a charging circuit connecting the energy harvesting device to a rechargeable battery provides electrical power to an electro-mechanical vehicle component or system.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a hydraulic strut and control system suitable for energy attenuation applications such as vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the hydraulic strut includes a main cylinder having a first closed end, a second end with an opening. A main piston slidably disposed in the main cylinder divides it into a first fluid chamber between the main piston and the first end of the main cylinder, and a second fluid chamber between the main piston and the second end of the main cylinder. At least one fixed orifice through the piston provides fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers. An integral flow control valve is adapted to vary the flow area of the at least one orifice through the piston. The flow control valve is operatively connected to a high speed actuator responsive to an electrical control signal.

Abstract: An energy absorbing airbag system includes one or more vent valve assemblies for controlling the release of airbag inflation gases to maintain inflation gas pressure within an airbag at a substantially constant pressure during a ride-down of an energy absorbing event. Each vent valve assembly includes a cantilever spring that is flat in an unstressed condition and that has a free end portion. The cantilever spring is secured to an exterior surface of the airbag housing and flexed to cause the second free end portion of the cantilever spring to be pressed, with a preset force, against a vent port or a closure covering the vent port to seal the vent port until inflation gas pressure within the airbag reaches a preselected value determined by the preset force whereupon the free end portion of the cantilever spring is lifted from the vent port by the inflation gases within the airbag to vent the inflation gases from within the airbag.

Abstract: A cyclic control stick of the type used in helicopters for reducing the safety hazards associated with such a mechanism in the event of a crewman being thrown violently into contact with the cyclic control stick resulting from a crash or the like. The cyclic control stick is configured to break away upon the exertion of an impact force which exceeds a predetermined value and/or is exerted for more than a momentary time duration. The cyclic control stick is also configured to be adjustable so as to locate the grip thereof as far away from the crewman as possible for safety reasons without comprising the comfort of the crewman or the use of the control stick, and a crushable pad is provided on the top of the grip for impact energy absorbing purposes.