Abstract: An inertia sensitive actuator especially adapted for use with a dual spool retractor for a motor vehicle seat belt system, The dual spool retractor includes shoulder belt and lap belt spool assemblies engaging with the shoulder belt and lap belt portions of the seat belt webbing, The dual spool retractor incorporates an inertia sensitive actuator having an excitation mass which is coupled with both of the retractor spool assemblies via linkages,

Abstract: A seatbelt lock includes a preventive tensioning device which moves a seatbelt lock from an operating position into a lowered safety position with respect to the operating position, an energy accumulator, and a drive unit. The seatbelt lock is maintained preloaded in an operating position by means of the energy accumulator, and the drive unit transfers the seatbelt lock from the safety position back into the operating position.

Abstract: Described herein is a seat belt tension sensor assembly that includes an anchor plate adapted to be secured to an object, a housing associated with and movable with respect to the anchor plate, wherein the housing defines a cavity therein, and a sense element disposed in the cavity. The sense element is adapted to produce an output in response to a force placed thereon. The output provided by the sense element is a function of the force placed on the housing by a seat belt up to a predetermined maximum value. The housing does not move until the maximum value is reached, and, after the maximum value is reached, the output of the sense element does not substantially change from the maximum value.

Abstract: Provided is a pretensioner for a seat belt retractor. The pretensioner for a seat belt retractor of a vehicle includes a torsion bar on which a webbing is wound; a gear member connected to the torsion bar; a base member with which the gear member is meshed and through which the torsion bar passes; a cylinder having a movement guide hole formed therein to supply a gas upon rapid deceleration of the vehicle; a piston having a rack formed at a side surface thereof in a longitudinal direction to be meshed with the gear member and moved along the movement guide hole upon supply of a gas, and; a cylindrical sealing operation part integrally formed with a bottom of the piston and projecting therefrom; and a sealing part coupled to an outer periphery of the sealing operation part to seal between the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder, wherein the base member has a hooking means for hooking the piston to a rack.

Abstract: A pretensioner (20) for use with a seat belt system, the pretensioner comprising: a straight first tube (22) having a cylindrical wall (22a), a first end (24) and a second end (26), at least one of the first end (24) or the second end (26) having an opening (32); the first tube includes a first opening (38) in the wall (22a) to receive a second tube (50), the second tube (50) having a first end portion (52), a second end portion (56) and a medial portion (54), the medial portion configured to have a circular curvature of radius R1; the second end portion is situated so that its center is collinear with a central axis (64) extending through the center of the first tube (22) and wherein an axis extending through the center of the first end portion is arranged at an acute angle relative to the central axis (64); a pyrotechnic element (40) is provided at one end of the first tube to provide products of combustion to drive a piston (100) down the first tube, the motion of the piston moving a cable (80) in a direct

Abstract: A buckle pretensioner system includes a substantially L-shaped rail for guiding a buckle body of a buckle from a position where the buckle body engages with a tongue plate to a position corresponding to a lumbar region of a vehicle occupant. When a vehicle disposed with the buckle pretensioner system undergoes a sudden deceleration, a piston inside a cylinder is moved in a frontward direction of the vehicle by gas generated by the actuation of a gas generator, a buckle stay is pulled by a wire coupled to the piston, and the buckle stay is moved along the shape of the rail. As a result, the buckle body supported by the buckle stay pivots from the position where the buckle body engages with the tongue plate to a vehicle occupant restraining position of a webbing belt, and then is pulled to the lumbar region-corresponding position.

Abstract: A belt guiding mechanism, for example for a child vehicle seat, which is suitable for guiding a belt extending through the belt guiding mechanism and locking said belt against movement. The belt guiding mechanism comprises a cam that is capable of pivoting movement relative to a bearing surface, said belt being movable in a tensioning direction and in the opposite direction through a passage present between said cam and said bearing surface. The cam is pivotable in a direction towards the bearing surface for locking the belt against movement. The cam is connected to a sleeve that can be positioned against a person's shoulder, in which sleeve the belt is slidably accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus includes a controller for controlling a reversible occupant restraint so as to restrain an occupant when three conditions are met, i.e., a first condition that the steering angle of a steering wheel has exceeded a steering angle threshold, a second condition that the steering angle speed has exceeded a steering angle speed threshold, and a third condition that the steering angle acceleration has exceeded a specific steering angle acceleration threshold.

Abstract: A pretensioner coupling for a seat belt retractor for a motor vehicle of a type having a belt shaft and a pretensioner drive for winding the belt shaft. The pretensioner coupling having a coupling latch movably arranged between a release position and an engagement position. The coupling latch produces a load-transmitting rotational connection between the belt shaft and the pretensioner drive when in the engagement position and movable out of the engagement position and into the release position to permit relative rotation between the belt shaft and the pretensioner drive.

Abstract: A gas generating system (24) is provided including a gas generant container (34) and an initiator (28). The initiator (28) is positioned exterior of the gas generant container (34) so as to enable fluid communication with the container (34) upon activation of the initiator (28). A gas generant composition (32) is positioned within the container (34). The gas generant container (34) may have sufficient rigidity to maintain a predetermined shape prior to positioning of the gas generant (32) therein, and is penetrable by combustion products resulting from activation of the initiator (28). A seatbelt device (150) and a vehicle occupant restraint system (180) incorporating a gas generating system as described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioner mechanism (10) for use with a seatbelt retractor (11). The retractor (11) has a spool (16) configured for winding a seatbelt webbing thereon. The pretensioner mechanism (10) is housed inside the retractor spool (16). The pretensioner mechanism (10) includes a movable actuator member (22) slidably coupled to the retractor spool (16), and a stationary member (20) secured to the retractor (11) along a path of slidable movement of the movable member (22). Helical splines (23) extend along a portion of the spool (16), and complementary helical splines (25) extend along a first portion of the movable member (22) for slidingly engaging the splines (23) on the spool (16). Helical splines (29) also extend along a second portion of the movable member (22), and complementary helical splines (28) extend along a portion of the stationary member (20) for slidingly engaging the splines (29) on the second portion of the movable member (22).

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically supporting a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat when lateral dynamic forces are acting includes a restraint system for securing an upper body of the vehicle occupant in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle as a function of the lateral dynamics.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) has an actuator (14) for unlocking and locking the seat belt retractor (10) An inertial sensor (18) detects changes in vehicle acceleration and interacts with the actuator (14) to lock and unlock the seat belt retractor (10). The inertial sensor (18) has one inertial sensor mass, each mass (26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33) has a wide portion (70) and a narrow portion (72). Preferably each inertial sensor mass (26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33) has a high density body (31) embedded in the wide portion (70) of the elastomeric material (34). The inertial sensor mass (26, 27, 29, 36, 32, 33) has a greater density than the elastomeric material (34) Moreover, the elastomeric material (34) at least partially surrounds an exterior circumferential surface (38) of the inertial sensor mass (26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33).

Abstract: A belt guiding mechanism, for example for a child vehicle seat, which is suitable for guiding a belt extending through the belt guiding mechanism and locking said belt against movement. The belt guiding mechanism comprises a cam that is capable of pivoting movement relative to a bearing surface, said belt being movable in a tensioning direction and in the opposite direction through a passage present between said cam and said bearing surface. The cam is pivotable in a direction towards the bearing surface for locking the belt against movement. The cam is connected to a sleeve that can be positioned against a person's shoulder, in which sleeve the belt is slidably accommodated.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a safety belt has a brake surface (38), a blocking mechanism (18), a brake element (24) which can prevent a steering in of the blocking mechanism (18), and a magnetic actuator (28). The brake element (24) is pressed against the brake surface (38) by means of the magnetic actuator (28).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a safety belt arrangement with a belt webbing, a belt buckle and one of an end- and deflection fitting. The restraint system further comprises two tracks with which a vehicle seat is connected and which, for displacement of the vehicle seat, are constructed for engagement into counter-tracks fixed to a floor of the vehicle. An elongated, rigid fastening element is provided which extends beneath the seat between the tracks and which is connected with both of the tracks. At least one belt tensioner is mounted to the fastening element.

Abstract: A gas generating system (24) is provided including a gas generant container (34) and an initiator (28). The initiator (28) is positioned exterior of the gas generant container (34) so as to enable fluid communication with the container (34) upon activation of the initiator (28). A gas generant composition (32) is placed within the container (34). In one embodiment, the gas generant container (34) has sufficient rigidity to maintain a predetermined shape prior to positioning of the gas generant (32) therein, and is penetrable by combustion products resulting from activation of the initiator (28). A flame retardant (33) is positioned within the housing 17 exterior of the gas generant container (34) but in reactive proximity thereto. A seatbelt device (150) and a vehicle occupant restraint system (180) incorporating a gas generating system as described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-line seat belt pretensioner is provided that includes a frame containing a first guide member and a second guide member for tensioning of seat belt webbing upon pretensioner activation. As the pretensioner is activated, the seat belt is tensioned by activation of an actuator operably coupled to the second guide. The second guide is then routed over a vertically stationary first guide that is slidably engaged within a slot within the frame, thereby contributing to reducing the load on the occupant. A low-friction material employed in the manufacture of the guide member(s), contributes to a smoother and less abrupt tensioning of the seat belt upon activation of the pretensioner.

Abstract: A belt guiding mechanism, for example for a child vehicle seat, which is suitable for guiding a belt extending through the belt guiding mechanism and locking said belt against movement. The belt guiding mechanism comprises a cam that is capable of pivoting movement relative to a bearing surface, said belt being movable in a tensioning direction and in the opposite direction through a passage present between said cam and said bearing surface. The cam is pivotable in a direction towards the hearing surface for locking the belt against movement. The cam is connected to a sleeve that can be positioned against a person's shoulder, in which sleeve the belt is slidably accommodated.

Abstract: A height-adjustable, belt-deflecting device for a seat belt including a deflecting element which deflects the seat belt. The device improves the safety of a vehicle occupant to be secured and protected by the seat belt. This is achieved by the having a deflecting element connected to a tightening device with which the seat belt can be tightened.

Abstract: A pretensioner (20) for use with a seat belt system, the pretensioner comprising: a straight first tube (22) having a cylindrical wall (22a), a first end (24) and a second end (26), at least one of the first end (24) or the second end (26) having an opening (32); the first tube includes a first opening (38) in the wall (22a) to receive a second tube (50), the second tube (50) having a first end portion (52), a second end portion (56) and a medial portion (54), the medial portion configured to have a circular curvature of radius R1; the second end portion is situated so that its center is collinear with a central axis (64) extending through the center of the first tube (22) and wherein an axis extending through the center of the first end portion is arranged at an acute angle relative to the central axis (64); a pyrotechnic element (40) is provided at one end of the first tube to provide products of combustion to drive a piston (100) down the first tube, the motion of the piston moving a cable (80) in a direct

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus appropriately protects occupants of a vehicle, when a vehicle crush occurs, without requiring a troublesome task to the occupants. The occupant protection apparatus is provided with a steering angle sensor, a distance sensor and a brake depressing amount sensor. An electronic control unit predicts a vehicle crash based on the detection signals of each sensor so as to set a tension applied to a driver seat seatbelt to be smaller than a tension applied to passenger seat seatbelts. Additionally, the electronic control unit increases the tension applied to the seatbelts when a temperature detected by an outside-temperature detection sensor and/or an inside-temperature detection sensor is low.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes webbing having a solid material that is configured to effect a shape or dimensional change in response to an activation signal. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing includes a first part and a second part, each having a wide end and a narrow end. The webbing is mounted with respect to a vehicle seatback so that the webbing is positionable across an occupant between the occupant's neck and the occupant's pelvis, and is characterized by the absence of an over-the-shoulder portion.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly capable of extending from a seat back, the assembly including a frame attached to a seat, an extension member slidably mounted to the frame, an inertial locking reel, and a seat belt positioned within the frame in contact with the extension member, the seat belt having a first end engaged with the inertial locking reel and a second end extending from the extension member.

Abstract: A pretensioner including a cylinder in which a piston slides. A side of the pipe attached to a bracket is curved at a predetermined angle. One linear portion of the pipe serves as the cylinder, and the other linear portion of the pipe serves as a gas-generator accommodating portion that accommodates a gas generator. A wire passing hole through which a wire passes is bored coaxially with the center axis of the piston sliding portion of the pipe. The piston sliding portion and the gas-generator accommodating portion can be formed of the single pipe, and the gas generator and the wire can be prevented from interfering with each other.

Abstract: A seat belt device includes a lap anchor and connector assembly that are engaged by a latch pressed by a first latch spring. In the event that inertia force is applied to the connector assembly in a direction that tends to urge the disengagement of the connector assembly and the lap anchor, the latch tries to move in the direction of disengagement. The attempted movement causes retaining shoulder portions of the latch to abut against latch holding portions of a second latch spring, thereby preventing movement of the latch in the direction of disengagement. Thus, engagement of the connector assembly and the lap anchor is stable, and disengagement of the connector assembly and the lap anchor is prevented.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a safety belt includes a pyrotechnic linear drive. The linear drive includes a gas generator (10) with an ignition unit (16), and a protective cap (18) to secure the gas generator (10) before and during the assembly of the gas generator (10). In the installed state of the device, at least a portion of the protective cap (18), after the igniting of the gas generator (10), represents a function element.

Abstract: An actuating device for a safety arrangement in a vehicle has a pneumatic muscle as drive and a pyrotechnical gas generator for feeding the pneumatic muscle.

Abstract: In order to provide a safety device for a comfortable seat having a seat surface and a backrest which may be transferred from a sitting position into a resting position and vice versa, the safety device being used to increase the safety of vehicle occupants on the comfortable seat, the comfortable seat includes with a seat belt system which includes a belt strap which is fixed in the region of the seat surface via a belt end fitting and is stored on a belt-retracting mechanism arranged in the upper region of the backrest, a belt buckle being provided on that side of the seat surface which is opposite the belt end fitting so as to couple up the belt strap via a belt tongue in accordance with a three-point belt system, and, in the event of an accident, the belt strap being tightened via the belt-retracting mechanism and a pretensioning system engaging on the belt end fitting.

Abstract: A buckle tensioner for pre-tensioning a safety belt band comprises a traction transmission device engaging on a belt buckle, a motor and a pressure storing device which is able to be compressed by means of the motor. The traction transmission device is coupled in a force-fitting manner to the pressure storing device and the pressure storing device is arranged such that an expansion of the pressure storing device brings about a pulling away of the belt buckle for tensioning the safety belt band.

Abstract: An interlock system for stopping seat belt payout from a retractor when a seat is not secured is provided. The interlock system includes a connector between the seat latch and the retractor with the connector operating a retractor locking actuator which utilizes the vehicle inertia sensor to cause retractor locking. In one form, the actuator is shifted into engagement with the inertia member for retractor locking when the seat is released. In another form, the actuator is mounted to a module secured on one side of the one of the retractor frame plates to which the actuating mechanism for the vehicle sensor is secured on the other side thereof. The connector causes shifting of the actuator member from the one side to the other to operate the vehicle sensor actuating mechanism for retractor locking when the seat is released.

Abstract: Provided is a compact power actuator which is simple in structure, reliable in operation, and easy to install. The power actuator comprises a piston assembly which is received in a fixed cylinder for either directly or indirectly engaging a driven member, and a propellant for rapidly increasing the inner pressure of the cylinder to push the piston assembly outward so that the driven member may be instantaneously driven. A spring is interposed between the piston assembly and the propellant to urge the piston assembly in the projecting direction. The front end of the propellant fits into the central opening so that the available space may be fully utilized. Therefore, the size of the power actuator can be reduced, and the required amount of the pyrotechnic material for the propellant can be reduced due to the reduced initial volume of the chamber for the expansion of the generated gas.

Abstract: A seat belt pretensioner mechanism (40) includes a part (36) for attachment to the seat belt (20). A strap (50) is connected to the part (36). A piston (78) and piston rod (58) are movable in a first direction to move the strap (50) and the part (36) to tension the seat belt (20). A pivot connection (59, 62) between the piston rod (58) and the strap (50) causes the strap to move with the piston rod. A cam (70) pivots the strap (50) about the pivot connection (59, 62) and effects movement of the part (36) toward the piston rod (58) as the piston (78) and the piston rod move in the first direction.

Abstract: A seat restraint tensioner for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to a seat restraint of the seat restraint system. The seat restraint tensioner also includes a movable mechanism connected to the second end of the cable to apply a force for tightening the seat restraint when activated. The seat restraint tensioner further includes a rotatable cam cooperating with the cable to generate a clamping force toward the seat restraint to clamp the cable between the cam and a clamping surface to prevent reverse travel of the cable after tightening the seat restraint.

Abstract: A spring loaded pay out arrangement for a seat harness securable to a seat, the seat harness being releasably connectable to an occupant harness configured to be worn by an occupant of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises seat belt webbing (24). An elongated member (30) is connected with the seat belt webbing (24). Tension in the seat belt webbing (24) is transmitted to the elongated member (30). An arm (106) is associated with the elongated member (30). The arm (106) receives a force from the elongated member (30) when tension in the seat belt webbing (24) increases. The force acts on the arm (106) through a moment arm creating a torsion force on the arm (106). At least a portion of the arm (106) moves in response to the torsion force. A device (102) is responsive to movement of the at least a portion of the arm (106) due to the torsion force to provide an output signal indicative of the tension in the seat belt webbing (24).

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.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) includes a lap belt (60) including a first portion (74) and a second portion (85). A retractor (76) includes a spool (96) rotatable about an axis (160). The first and second lap belt portions (74, 85) are secured to the spool (96). The spool (96) is biased to rotate in a first rotational direction to wind the first and second portions (74, 85) onto the spool. The first and second portions (74, 85) when tensioned urge the spool (96) to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction to unwind the first and second portions from the spool. A locking mechanism (170) is actuatable to lock the spool (96) against rotation in the second rotational direction. First and second web grabbing devices (180, 182) are actuatable to clamp onto the first and second portions (74, 85) when the locking mechanism (170) is in the locked condition.

Abstract: A boot is disposed between two members movable relative to each other. The boot includes a plurality of contracting portions situated adjacent to each other. In an unloaded condition, the contracting portions extend in a longitudinal direction and are gradually offset in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a contracted condition when at least one of the members moves toward the other member along the longitudinal direction, the contracting portions are overlapped with each other in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A method and vehicle occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle, in which the webbing movement of a seat belt wound on a belt reel 1 caused by the body of the belted-in vehicle occupant is scanned and corresponding measurement data are fed to an evaluating device 3, wherein measurement data relating to the rotating movement of a rotor 2, in particular the electric motor rotor, which serves in tightening the seat belt webbing, may additionally be fed to this evaluating device 3.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt restraint system having a lap belt movable between a comfort position wherein the portions of the belt extending over the outsides of the occupant's thighs are generally vertical, and a crash restraint position wherein the same portions extend at an angle downward and to the rear. Belt guides disposed adjacent opposite sides of the seat engage the lap belt as it extends from the anchor points toward the seat cushion. During normal vehicle operations, the belt guide is located in a comfort position that causes the portion of the lap belt passing over and around the outsides of the occupant's thighs to have a relatively vertical orientation. In the event of an actual or impending crash or other rapid vehicle deceleration, a restraints control module commands an actuation mechanism to move the belt guides rearward with respect to the comfort position, allowing the lap belt to extend in a substantially straight line to the rear-located anchor point.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus appropriately protects occupants of a vehicle, when a vehicle crush occurs, without requiring a troublesome task to the occupants. The occupant protection apparatus is provided with a steering angle sensor, a distance sensor and a brake depressing amount sensor. An electronic control unit predicts a vehicle crash based on the detection signals of each sensor so as to set a tension applied to a driver seat seatbelt to be smaller than a tension applied to passenger seat seatbelts. Additionally, the electronic control unit increases the tension applied to the seatbelts when a temperature detected by an outside-temperature detection sensor and/or an inside-temperature detection sensor is low as compared to the detected temperature is high.

Abstract: A tensioner for a safety belt includes a cylinder, a piston which is slidably arranged within the cylinder, and a traction transfer element which is connected with the piston to transfer a movement of the piston to the safety belt. The tensioner further includes a drive which may exert a driving force on the piston to tension the safety belt. The piston is provided with a deformation element which the traction transfer element engages.

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.

Abstract: In a vehicle occupant protection system comprising a seat for seating a vehicle occupant in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and a seat belt for restraining a vehicle occupant seated in the seat, the seat belt is pulled rearward by a power actuator in an early stage of a vehicle crash to apply deceleration to the vehicle occupant before the vehicle body has started decelerating so that the vehicle occupant is prevented from being subjected to a deceleration level which is higher than an unacceptable level of deceleration throughout the entire period of the vehicle crash.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system (30) for helping to restrain a vehicle occupant (18) in a vehicle seat (10) comprises first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38) and first and second lap belts (32 and 34). The first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38) extend over first and second shoulders, respectively, of the vehicle occupant (18). The first lap belt (32) is for extending across a first lap portion of the vehicle occupant (18) and the second lap belt (34) is for extending across a second lap portion of the vehicle occupant (18). A buckle assembly (90) interconnects the first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38) and the first and second lap belts (32 and 34). The vehicle restraint system (30) also includes at least one electric motor driven retractor (50) operatively connected to the first and second lap belts (32 and 34) for, when operated, retracting portions of the first and second lap belts (32 and 34).

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system, in particular a three-point seat belt system, has belt webbing and an end fitting by which an end of the belt webbing is secured to a vehicle. A belt tensioner acts with a pulling eyebolt through which the belt webbing is guided by a webbing guide in the vicinity of the end fitting to transmit a tensioning movement to the belt webbing. The pulling eyebolt has a substantially straight pulling rod by which a pulling movement generated by the tensioning drive is transmitted to the belt webbing during tensioning and during tensioning the pulling rod acts as a webbing deflection rod for the belt webbing guided through the webbing guide. The webbing guide has two deflection points about which the belt webbing is guided during tensioning and the pulling rod acts on a section of the belt webbing guided between these two deflection points.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat assembly supported by a seat frame that includes a seat cushion, an upwardly extending back cushion, a seat repositioning device, and an actuation mechanism that repositions the seat cushion. In one embodiment, an airbag is disposed beneath a seatpan such that inflation raises a forward portion of both the seatpan and seat cushion. Inflation of the airbag is in response to a sensor detecting the rapid deceleration of the vehicle. The seatpan is attached to each respective armrest of the seat frame at a hinge point that permits the seatpan to rotate upwardly. A seatbelt cinching mechanism is attached to the seatpan such that upward rotation of the seatpan pulls the cinching mechanism around an idler pulley, and thereby increases seatbelt tension. In a second embodiment, an airbag inflates through an opening in the seat cushion and above a forward portion of the seat cushion. In a third embodiment, the airbag is substituted with a gas activated cylinder.

Abstract: The load acting on the body of a belted-in vehicle occupant restrained by a seat belt is determined by providing electrical signals from occupant restraint device sensors. The electrical signals are then evaluated with an evaluating device, wherein the movement of a seat belt webbing influenced by the body of the belted-in vehicle occupant is scanned and a corresponding signal is fed to the evaluating device.

Abstract: A linear pretensioning drive for tightening a vehicle seat belt has a guide tube. A piston is located inside of the guide tube and can be driven along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube. A reverse movement lock is formed by balls that are arranged on a ring around the longitudinal axis of the guide tube. In the drive direction in front of the reverse movement lock at least one support part is provided which lies against the inner wall of the guide tube in the locking position with in each case a greater supporting surface than each ball of the reverse movement lock.