Element Extruded Through Or Around Tool Patents (Class 188/374)
  • Patent number: 11760294
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a fender covering a rear wheel, a seat base to which the fender is fixed and on which a seat is installed, a step above or below the seat base and to which the seat base is fixed, and a first vibration insulating portion having a vibration insulating property and interposed between the step and the seat base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeo Shoen, Kazuya Kiyama, Ryosuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10826037
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted battery apparatus to be mounted in a vehicle includes: a battery pack, the battery pack including a battery cell, the battery cell including a gas exhaust portion configured to discharge internal gas; a smoke exhaust duct connected to the battery pack and configured to discharge gas to an outside of the vehicle; and a check valve disposed in the smoke exhaust duct and configured to block flow of gas from the outside of the vehicle toward the battery pack. The check valve includes: a valve seat disposed in the smoke exhaust duct and having a hole; a valve body configured to be seated on the valve seat to cover the hole; and a shock absorbing member disposed between the valve body and the valve seat to alleviate impact of the valve body against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Oki, Junta Katayama
  • Patent number: 10800442
    Abstract: A steering system that is telescopically extendable and retractable using a motor driving force includes a motor, a telescopic steering shaft, a tube that supports the steering shaft such that the steering shaft is rotatable and that is movable with telescopic movement of the steering shaft, an energy absorbing member connected to the tube, and a movable member connected to the energy absorbing member and configured to move the tube by being moved by a driving force of the motor. The energy absorbing member has a stiffness that moves the tube by transmitting the driving force of the motor from the movable member to the tube. The energy absorbing member is deformable to absorb impact energy that is applied to the energy absorbing member through the steering shaft and the tube during a secondary collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shoji Ishimura, Hidenobu Tanaka, Yuji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10688957
    Abstract: In a lift-up buckle device, a slider and a shoe move forward and a buckle is moved to a stowed position. The shoe impacts against a protruding portion at a lower portion of a damper and interferes with a housing via the lower portion of the damper. Thus, the forward movement of the slider and shoe is stopped, while the damper absorbs an impact against the slider and shoe. Therefore, an amount of the impact against the slider and shoe that is absorbed by the damper may be increased by the protruding portion, and the damper may absorb the impact against the slider and shoe effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Naoya Watanabe, Takuhiro Saito, Yasunori Hata, Makoto Matsuzaki, Yusuke Watada, Tatsuhiro Murasaki
  • Patent number: 10518799
    Abstract: There is provided a steering system that can absorb an increased total amount of shock at a time of a secondary collision. A steering member is connected to one end of an upper jacket in a column axial direction. A lower jacket is externally fitted with the other end of the upper jacket in the column axial direction so as to be slidable with respect to the upper jacket. The lower jacket is supported by a support member fixed to a vehicle body. At the time of a secondary collision, a first sliding member generates a first resistive force by performing first relative sliding with respect to the upper jacket, and a second sliding member which is moved together with the first sliding member in the column axial direction generates a second resistive force by performing second relative sliding with respect to the support member and the lower jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsumune Nagatani, Shigeru Morita, Yu Myohoji, Masayoshi Sakuda, Michiaki Yamaoka, Yoshihito Yoshihara, Satoki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 10315774
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a stand and a bucket having a seat pan and a seat back. Said stand serves to fasten said bucket to a floor of said vehicle and to absorb deformation of said floor while limiting the mechanical stresses that are transmitted to said bucket. Said pan is connected to said bucket via a revolute joint for pivoting about a transverse direction and by energy absorber devices. The stand has two first legs forming a fork and connecting the front of said bucket to said floor via ball joint connections. The bucket is connected to said floor at the rear of the seat via two ball joint connections. The stand is thus connected to said bucket via three points and to said floor via four points making it possible to avoid twisting said bucket as a result of deformation of said floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Pierre Crozat, Jean-Francois Joffre, Marcin Stawiak
  • Patent number: 10315597
    Abstract: A deformation structure, which is an energy absorption structure, has a series of deformation elements arranged one behind the other in a deformation direction, i.e. the direction in which a load acts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oeztzan Akif, Gerhard Fichtinger, Wilhelm Riedl
  • Patent number: 10300884
    Abstract: A pretensioner and a seat belt device are provided. A pretensioner includes a wire connected to webbing that restrains an occupant, a piston disposed to the wire, a cylinder that slidably accommodates the piston, a gas generator that applies driving force to the piston, and a housing that integrally connects the cylinder and the gas generator. The housing includes an insertion hole that guides the wire, a communication part that is communicated with the cylinder and the insertion hole, and a gas-supply port that supplies gas generated by the gas generator to the communication part. The pretensioner includes a wire guide disposed at a boundary portion of the insertion hole and the communication part, and a holding member that is inserted into the communication part and locked to the gas-supply port, thereby to position the wire guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS JAPAN K.K.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kohama
  • Patent number: 9828019
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and an energy absorption strap mounting assembly coupled to a jacket assembly. The energy absorption strap mounting assembly includes an engagement surface and at least one standoff. The at least one standoff extends from at least one of the first energy absorption strap and the engagement surface. The at least one standoff spaces the first energy absorption strap from the engagement surface in an assembled condition. The spacing defines a receiving area configured to receive a second energy absorption strap therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert W. Dubay, Matthew T. Vincent, Randy W. Jones, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 9770881
    Abstract: An energy absorbing structure configured to buckle in response to an impulsive load includes a facesheet and a micro-truss core coupled to the facesheet. The facesheet and the micro-truss core are wound together into a hollow tube structure. The hollow tube structure may have any shape suitable for the intended application of the energy absorbing structure, including prismatic shapes, non-prismatic shapes, axisymmetric shapes, and non-axisymmetric shapes. In one embodiment, the stiffness of the micro-truss core varies axially, radially, and/or circumferentially along the energy absorbing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Hundley, Alan J. Jacobsen, William Carter, Tobias A. Schaedler, Sophia S. Yang
  • Patent number: 9623836
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a pretensioner that moves from a first position to a second position, several with a with guide loop assembly comprising: a guide loop; a pretensioner, wherein the pretensioner is attached to the guide loop; and wherein the pretensioner moves a guide loop from a first position to a second position upon deployment. A number of variations may also include a slot in the pretensioner body through which motion is communicated to a seatbelt anchor or guide loop to move it from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter P. Kujawa, George J. Strnad, Matt R. Gohlke, Scott D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9593740
    Abstract: An energy absorbing fitting is constructed to absorb tension, shear and compression loads at a joint between two composite material beams of a composite material frame. The fitting is constructed with a band of composite material having an inverted U-shape, a panel of composite material having a U-shaped cross-section configuration that is assembled into the inverted U-shaped configuration of the band, and a sheet of composite material having an inverted L-shape configuration that is secured to the band and to the panel. The fitting is positioned at the intersection of the beams and is secured to the joint between the beams, thereby reinforcing the joint against tension, shear and compression loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew S. Stauffer, Douglas R. Ludin, Eric J. Schulze
  • Patent number: 9499077
    Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SURVIVABILITY SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Lamparter, Sorin Coman, Hugh S. McLeod, III
  • Patent number: 9421886
    Abstract: A seat having a bucket and a supporting structure on which the bucket is fixed. The height of the bucket on the supporting structure is adjustable. A lower sub-assembly of the supporting structure forms a seat subframe and of which at least one bucket support is mounted movable in height following at least one lower guide rail. An upper sub-assembly of the supporting structure is assembled movable in rotation relative to the lower sub-assembly around a pivot axis which is situated close to a lower end of the lower guide rails and situated close to a lower end of the upper sub-assembly. The bucket is fixed to the bucket support in an articulated manner at the seat base and has at least one guide element fixed to the backrest and sliding in an upper guide rail of the upper sub-assembly situated above the lower guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: STELIA AEROSPACE
    Inventors: Laurent Cecinas, Christian Morais
  • Patent number: 9403506
    Abstract: The present teachings provide for a vehicle seatbelt positioner. The vehicle can include a pillar and seatbelt. The seatbelt positioner can include a cassette, router, and tether. The cassette can be mounted to a first side of the pillar. The router can include a guide body configured to releasably couple the router to the seatbelt. The router can be movable between an extended position in which the router is spaced apart from the pillar, and a retracted position in which the router contacts the pillar. The tether can have a first end coupled to the cassette and a second end coupled to the router. When the router is in the extended position, the tether can extend through an aperture defined by the pillar to a second side of the pillar. The cassette can be configured to retract the tether toward the cassette to position the router in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Melinda M Denninger, Paul C Tresnak, Rachel Cacossa
  • Patent number: 9243678
    Abstract: An impact absorbing unit for a vehicle which is subjected to an axial compressive force from the impact in the event of a traffic collision, which includes a columnar piece of wood and a metallic housing covering lateral faces of the piece of wood. The housing has an uneven configuration formed in an outer surface or an inner surface, and the housing bulges outwards when subjected to an axial compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Okuda
  • Patent number: 9146080
    Abstract: A blast/impact mitigation shield includes, in one example, a first body including a damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed beyond a critical stress and a second body including damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed. A plunger plate has blades extending outwardly therefrom and is located between the first and second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Basant K. Parida, Norman Dana, Abdullatif K. Zaouk
  • Patent number: 9145943
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system includes a tube section having a distal end and an energy absorber mounted to the tube section and receiving its distal end, the energy absorber including a folding section and a compressing section inward, the folding section being adapted to fold opposed walls of the tube section and the compressing section being adapted to compress the tube section after it has been folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventor: Dean Sicking
  • Patent number: 8910761
    Abstract: A device and a method for the adaptive degradation of collision energy. A deformation element is provided which carries out a first motion in one direction for degrading the collision energy and undergoes tapering. In addition, an actuator system is provided which adjusts the tapering for the adaptive degradation as a function of a control signal. The actuator system is configured for a second motion in the axis of the direction of the first motion and for adjusting the tapering of the deformation element. As a result of the second motion, the actuator system is able to hold at least one die plate having a respective opening through which the deformation element is driven for adjusting the tapering. A number of die plates held by the actuator system is a function of the control signal. The die plates held in each case cause tapering of the deformation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Friedrich, Willi Nagel
  • Patent number: 8820493
    Abstract: A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Basant K. Parida, Timothy Harrigan, James Carter, Norman Dana, Gopal Samavedam
  • Patent number: 8573372
    Abstract: A force level control for an energy absorber is provided for aircraft, and includes an adjustment element and a housing, whereby via the adjustment element, a bending radius of the energy absorber element is continuously adjustable in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Humfeldt, Michael Harriehausen, Jan Schroeder, Martin Sperber, Michael Demary
  • Patent number: 8511745
    Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is integrated within a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading during a collision. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and is configured to deform the deformable members during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8408370
    Abstract: An energy absorbing element contains a free-flowing medium. The medium is expressed from the element, upon the occurrence of an impact, through at least one opening. The medium is enclosed in a capsule that bursts on impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inventus Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Jürgen Pösel
  • Patent number: 8388259
    Abstract: A rigid ram, joined to a structural element of a mechanism which receives and transmits the impact of a vehicle, is displaced along a deformable metallic profile of open section in the form of “U”, “C”, “?” or “?”, the ram having a partial or total intersection with the transversal section of the deformable metallic profile, and producing thereto plastic deformations which are propagated along the deformable metallic profile as the ram is longitudinally displaced along said deformable metallic profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hierros y Aplanaciones, S.A. (HIASA)
    Inventor: Antonio Amengual Pericas
  • Patent number: 8353545
    Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is interposed between a vehicle's bumper and a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading in a compact structure that is easily removed and replaced during post-collision repairs. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and may be coupled to the first portion via a chamfered transition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8297419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing unit, including a UIC buffer or a side buffer, which provides an additional irreversible shock-absorbing stage for e.g., a UIC buffer which can be retroactively installed, an energy-absorbing unit, is proposed which is mountable to the support frame or undercarriage, of e.g., a railborne vehicle as one complete exchangeable unit. The energy-absorbing unit hereto includes a base plate for preferably detachable connecting of the energy-absorbing unit to the support frame or undercarriage of a car body, a connecting plate, to which e.g., the UIC buffer can be connected, and a destructively-configured energy-absorbing element which is braced between the base plate and the connecting plate without play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Gansweidt
  • Patent number: 8292048
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device, in particular a device for single-use occupant protection in vehicles, has a container with a magneto-rheological medium which is forced on impact through a restriction with at least one outlet channel. The flow resistance of the outlet channel may be influenced by a device for generation of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Inventus Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Jürgen Pösel
  • Publication number: 20120187616
    Abstract: A device and a method for the adaptive degradation of collision energy. A deformation element is provided which carries out a first motion in one direction for degrading the collision energy and undergoes tapering. In addition, an actuator system is provided which adjusts the tapering for the adaptive degradation as a function of a control signal. The actuator system is configured for a second motion in the axis of the direction of the first motion and for adjusting the tapering of the deformation element. As a result of the second motion, the actuator system is able to hold at least one die plate having a respective opening through which the deformation element is driven for adjusting the tapering. A number of die plates held by the actuator system is a function of the control signal. The die plates held in each case cause tapering of the deformation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Friedrich, Willi Nagel
  • Publication number: 20110233016
    Abstract: There is provided a collision energy absorbing apparatus, in particular, a collision energy absorbing apparatus for use in a vehicle, having a plurality of absorption phases, including: a first deformation part undergoing a first plastic deformation due to expansion so as to absorb collision energy generated in the event of a vehicle accident; a second transformation part disposed in line with an end of the first deformation part, the second transformation part undergoing a second plastic deformation after the first plastic deformation of the first deformation part so as to sequentially absorb collision energy in the event of a vehicle accident; and an expansion inducing part combined with an end of the second deformation part and disposed between the first deformation part and the second deformation part to guide the first plastic deformation of the first deformation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventor: Ji-Ho Lim
  • Patent number: 7823939
    Abstract: A crash box for installation between a bumper beam and a side rail of a motor vehicle includes an outer tube, and an inner tube which is held inside the outer tube, with the outer and inner tubes being movable in relation to one another. At least one of the inner and outer tubes is provided with a coat of varnish at least in a contact area between the outer pipe and the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Jochen Dörr
  • Publication number: 20100236867
    Abstract: A rotational energy absorber typically for use in a fall arrest system has a coiler, a length of plastically deformable strip and a deformer structure. The plastically deformable strip has a first end attached to the coiler and a second free end and extends past the deformer structure at a position between the first and second ends. Relative rotation of the coiler member and deformer structure causes the strip to be drawn past the deformer structure, plastically deforming the strip and winding the strip coil form about the coiler member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Karl Jones, Owain Jones
  • Patent number: 7780196
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly has a steering column with a jacket movable along a longitudinal axis for telescoping and collapsing movement. The jacket is movable about a pivot axis for tilting movement between an upper and a lower limit. A biasing device includes a fixed arm and a rake arm for urging the jacket toward the upper limit. A support bracket is detachably coupled to a mounting component connected to the vehicle. The support bracket is coupled to and supports the jacket during the movements and is movable with the jacket during the collapsing movement. A friction member is mounted to the support bracket and at least partially encircles the fixed arm and engages the fixed arm to form a friction-fit. The friction member slides along the fixed arm during the collapsing movement for transferring energy from the jacket and the support bracket to the biasing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Marvin V. Manwaring, Ravi Ravindra
  • Patent number: 7644951
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an energy absorption device for a motor vehicle steering column in which there is mounted an adjustment slide, the adjustment slide including a female part, provided with an entry orifice, connected respectively either to a steering wheel or to a rack system, and a male part connected respectively either to the rack system or to the steering wheel, the male part sliding in the female part upon adjustment of the depth of the steering column, wherein at least one sleeve is fixed on the male part in a manner to absorb the energy by coming into contact at least partially with the entry orifice of the female part in the case of violent impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Necam France SAS
    Inventors: Denis Fargeas, Robin Thomas, Frederic Calsat
  • Patent number: 7475752
    Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of the devices used in the field of automotive safety to protect a pedestrian in the event of a frontal impact between the said pedestrian and a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety device (1, 101, 201) for raising the bonnet (11, 111, 211) of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, comprising a pyrotechnic actuator (2, 102, 202, 302) provided with a thrust piston (17, 117) secured to a mechanism for raising the bonnet (11, 111, 211) and able to deploy the said mechanism which is itself secured to the said bonnet (11, 111, 211), and a blocking device intended to block the said actuator (2, 102, 202, 302) in a given position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: SNPE Materiaux Energetiques
    Inventors: Evrard Borg, Eric Laspesa, Jean-Paul Nadeau
  • Publication number: 20080251320
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-absorbing device for a safety fixing system, comprising two parts which can move frictionally in relation to one another such as to absorb energy. The invention is characterised in that the device comprises means for adjusting the frictional force between the two parts. The invention also relates to a safety fixing system comprising said energy-absorbing device. The invention is suitable for safety systems which, for example, make use of a lifeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Capital Safety Group EMEA
    Inventor: Pascal Lara
  • Patent number: 7422239
    Abstract: An energy absorbing steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a support member for supporting a steering column by detachably attaching the steering column to a vehicle body and an energy absorption apparatus for relatively movably supporting the steering column relative to the vehicle body in a frontward direction of the vehicle body. The energy absorbing steering apparatus is designed for absorbing impact energy applied to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ishibashi, Morito Oshita, Hidetoshi Inayoshi
  • Patent number: 7322609
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second steering column members disposed for movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes an anvil associated with one of the first and second steering column members. The anvil is spaced from the other of the first and second steering column members. The apparatus also includes a strap having a mounting end fixedly associated with the other of the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a free end spaced from the mounting end. The strap is drawable over the anvil in response to movement between the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a slot extending away from the mounting end to the free end. The slot has a length and a variable width along at least a portion of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Finkbeiner, Yoshio Mori
  • Patent number: 7311334
    Abstract: A shock absorbing type steering device decreases variations in press fitting loads corresponding to a friction force between two columns. A shock can be appropriately absorbed by relative movements of the two columns in an axial direction. At least one of a first column and a second column press fitted into an opening at one end of the first column is formed with swaged parts on a peripheral wall thereof at a plurality of positions having intervals in a circumferential direction of the column, respectively at a plurality of positions having intervals in an axial direction of the column. Positions of tip ends of the swaged parts are different between a group of swaged parts near the opening at the end of the first column and other groups remote from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Niwa, Noboru Minamoto, Shuzo Hirakushi
  • Patent number: 7198297
    Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus provided with a collision energy absorbing device for absorbing an energy of a secondary collision of an occupant upon a collision of a vehicle comprises an energy absorption quantity adjusting device for changing a secondary collision energy absorption quantity of the collision energy absorbing device, at least one sensor for detecting a condition of the occupant or the vehicle, and electric control device for controlling a drive of the energy absorption quantity adjusting device on the basis of a result of detection by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Satou, Tetsuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 7147088
    Abstract: A single-sided crash attenuation cushion system having an impact head and three stage energy absorption mechanism. The energy absorbing mechanism has a mandrel for deforming thin-walled tubes in a controlled collapse to absorb impact forces from a colliding vehicle. The third stage of the absorption mechanism includes an additional deformable compressible tube between the fixed-object hazard and the thin walled tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: John D. Reid, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking
  • Patent number: 7143877
    Abstract: A link including a rod with a connection member at each end with an axis passing through both connection members. The rod includes a fusible zone as a narrow section lying between a first rod portion connected to a first connection member and a second rod portion connected to a second connection member. The fusible zone breaks when tensile force to which the link is subjected is greater than a predetermined value. The two rod portions are inseparable in event of the fusible zone breaking by a cylinder coaxial about the axis and secured to the first rod portion, and having an end wall through which the second rod portion passes. The second rod portion includes a collar that can slide into the cylinder if the fusible zone breaks. The inside wall of the cylinder includes teeth configured to be broken by the collar if the fusible zone breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventors: Guy Franck Paul Dusserre-Telmon, Gerard Etoile
  • Patent number: 7124866
    Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing energy includes first and second steering column members connected for sliding movement. A first anvil is associated with one of the first and second steering column members and an energy absorbing member is provided having a first portion that extends around and operable to be drawn over the first anvil in response to the sliding movement between the first and second steering column members. A dead loop is formed in the energy absorbing member between its mounting location and the first anvil and is operative to enable the dead loop to straighten in response to application of an applied force prior to movement of the energy absorbing member across the first anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Richard K. Riefe, Ray G. Armstrong, Lee M. Tinnin, Ravindra Jwalapathy
  • Patent number: 7118131
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for absorbing energy. The energy absorbing device includes an anvil movable relative to a spaced axis. The anvil defines a plurality of profiles corresponding to different rates of energy absorption. The plurality of profiles are radially adjacent to one another with respect to axis. The anvil can be moved by explosive charges. For example, the anvil can define a follower portion adjacent a first explosive charge and move in response to an explosion of the first explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Richard K. Riefe, Ray G. Armstrong, Lee M. Tinnin, Ravindra Jwalapathy
  • Patent number: 7077433
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for absorbing energy in a collapsible steering column. The energy absorbing device includes an anvil rotatable relative to a strap. The anvil defines a plurality of profiles corresponding to different rates of energy absorption. The plurality of profiles are radially adjacent to one another about the rotational axis of the anvil. The anvil can be rotated by explosive charges. For example, the anvil can define a follower portion and first and second explosive charges can be disposed on opposite sides of the follower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Lee M. Tinnin, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Ray G. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7066491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle, the tube comprising two telescopic tube sections which are connected frictionally to each other in a press fit and, in the event of a crash, can be displaced relative to each other over an axial displacement path. In order, in the case of a vehicle accident, in a simple manner firstly to prevent a hard impact of the driver on the steering wheel and secondly to achieve the greatest possible absorption of impact energy, the tube sections are connected frictionally to each other over the entire displacement path. Furthermore, a method for producing a casing tube of this type is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Holger Kittler, Hanno Lox, Christian Spielmannleitner
  • Patent number: 6962245
    Abstract: Tunable pull-through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force-time profiles, deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects, vehicles or persons. The device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable, viscoelastic deforming elements, such as tubes, rods, plates or strips, which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled-through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings. The disclosed devices provide for variable force-time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Malcolm H. Ray, Chuck A. Plaxico
  • Patent number: 6959798
    Abstract: Device and method for forming the device are provided. The device is exposed to vibration events from time-to-time and includes at least one component assembled therein. The device includes a spool including a bore defined by an inner section of the spool. The inner section that defines the bore may be configured to receive that component. The device further includes a rib situated on the inner section near an entrance to the bore. The rib may extend about the periphery of the bore entrance. The rib is configured to provide a tight interference-fit upon assembly of the component into the bore, and thus avoid vibration-induced effects between the inner section of the spool and the component therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brooks H Danley
  • Patent number: 6840544
    Abstract: A belt-tensioning device for an occupant restraint is provided, designed to tension a belt (101) about an occupant at the onset of a vehicle collision, and to provide a measure of controlled force dissipation as the occupant loads the belt during the collision. In a preferred form, a tensioning member (122) moves in one direction (124) to tighten a belt about a vehicle occupant at the onset of a collision, and a braking device (130a, 130b) is configured to apply a controlled braking force to movement of the tensioning member in the opposite direction after the tensioning member has tightened the belt about the vehicle occupant. An array of braking members (130a, 130b) applies different levels of braking force to movement of the tensioning member in the opposite direction, thereby providing controlled braking force to movement of the tensioning member in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Prentkowski
  • Patent number: 6811185
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a steering shaft rotatably mounted in a tubular jacket. The tubular jacket is secured on two rails extending substantially in an axial direction and fixed on the bodywork. The tubular jacket is guided between the rails in the event of an axial displacement in case of a crash. At least one rail is assigned at least one deformation element which is secured at least at one end on the rail and is plastically deformable, with absorption of energy, in the event of an axial displacement of the tubular jacket in a manner such that it is deformed by rolling friction via deflection structure fixedly disposed on the tubular jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jens Bohlen, Christian Born, Wolfgang Schuliers
  • Patent number: 6802536
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Li, Marvin V. Manwaring, Melvin Lee Tinnin, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Ray G. Armstrong