Abstract: A novel vehicle occupant restraining module is described. The retraining module includes an inflatable cushion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inflatable cushion is capable of receiving inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source. A retaining collar is positioned adjacent a mouth of the cushion and about the inflation fluid source to retain the inflatable cushion in communication with the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar includes a flange that flares elliptically outward from the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar also includes an extension tab for preventing the cushion from contacting the inflation fluid source after inflation.

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement for use in a motor vehicle is often secured to the vehicle at points extending along a non-linear line located above an opening in the vehicle. The arrangement incorporates an inflatable element, connectors to secure an edge part of the inflatable element to the vehicle, and an inflator to inflate the inflatable element. The air-bag arrangement also incorporates a tether arrangement including a tether of elongated form having first end secured to the inflatable element adjacent the connectors and the second end secured to the vehicle. The tether movably passes through a guide located adjacent one end and the lower region of the inflatable element. Advantageously, when the inflatable element is inflated, a lower region of the inflatable element is taut and, together with the tether, extends between the two opposed ends of the non-linear line.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions which include at least one transition metal complex of ethylenediamine 5,5′-bitetrazole are provided to produce or results in compositions having relatively high burn rates. Also provided are corresponding or associated gas generating devices and inflatable vehicle occupant safety restraint systems and methods of gas generation.

Abstract: A load distribution panel retention apparatus which effectively secures a knee bolster airbag to a load distribution panel. The apparatus includes a flat, rectangular piece of textile material attached to a knee bolster airbag to form a panel retainer which is open on both ends. A load distribution panel, also called a knee bolster panel, is secured to the airbag by positioning the load distribution panel between the panel retainer and the airbag. The apparatus includes a housing secured to the instrument panel or to a firewall of a vehicle. The conventional inflatable knee airbag is stored within the housing and in communication with an inflator. The inflator is stored within the housing and inflates the knee airbag in an accident situation. A trim cover panel is attached to the load distribution panel to provide a decorative covering of the airbag module.

Abstract: A binder matrix suitable for use in a gas generant composition, a gas generant composition including the binder matrix, and a related method of igniting such a gas generant composition are provided. The binder matrix includes a non-energetic binder material and dimethyl malonate non-energetic plasticizer and has a softening temperature above at least about 125° C. A gas generant composition including the binder matrix includes a non-energetic binder material such as cellulose acetate, dimethyl malonate non-energetic plasticizer, a fuel such as a nitramine fuel such as RDX, HMX or a combination thereof, and a stabilizer such as N-methyl-p-nitroaniline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles in which space rearward of the cushion is limited. A tether attachment assembly according to the invention may include a tether attached to the cushion and to an anchoring point within the vehicle. An intermediate portion of the tether may pass within a tether restraint assembly that includes a tether restraint member attached to a vehicle surface. The tether restraint member may be a flexible strap, rigid bar, or the like. When the cushion deploys, the tether slides along the tether restraint member such that the tension exerted by the tether on the cushion is in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A microstrain sensor is provided for measuring deformation, and indirectly, other parameters such as acceleration, temperature, pressure, and force. Rather than providing several discreet resistance paths, the microstrain sensor utilizes input and output conductors connected to a single piece of film through which current travels to indicate resistance. The film provides superior resistance to external effects, such as temperature gradients, that decrease the accuracy of the sensor's readings. Such sensors may be easily adapted for use in situations in which opposing stresses are present, such as dually constrained members, by disposing separate or unitary film sections on opposite sides of a zero stress point, such as a central plane of a fixed-guided beam. Such sensors may be utilized in many different applications, including automotive safety systems.

Abstract: A non-inverting dual voltage regulation set point power supply for a restraint control module is disclosed that includes a main power source. A regulated voltage generation circuit connected with said main power source for generating a regulated output voltage having an upper set point and a lower set point. A buck switch connected to said main power source and said regulated voltage generation circuit for bucking the regulated output voltage generated by said regulated voltage generation circuit to said upper set point if said voltage supplied from said main power source is greater than said upper set point. A boost switch connected with said regulated voltage generation circuit for boosting the regulated output voltage generated by said regulated voltage generation circuit to said lower set point if said voltage supplied from said main power source is less than said lower set point.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions containing or including a sufficient quantity of a non-nitrate containing ammonia source whereby, upon reaction of the gas generating composition, NOx products are present in the product gas in a reduced amount as compared to reaction product gas resulting from reaction of the same composition without said quantity of non-nitrate containing ammonia source. Also disclosed are associated methods of reducing NOx products present in an effluent of a gas generating composition that upon combustion forms gas useful for inflating a vehicle occupant safety restraint device.

Abstract: Inflator device assemblies containing an expandable fluid effective to provide a gaseous inflation medium also advantageously employ or incorporate a pyrotechnic material such as to augment or enhance at least one fill characteristic of the gaseous inflation medium. The pyrotechnic material is provided on a selected non-gas generant surface within the inflator device. Suitable pyrotechnic compositions may include a binder additive effective to adhere the pyrotechnic composition to a surface within the inflator device.

Abstract: A system and device for managing the restraints available for vehicle occupants that uses fluidic torque conversion to provide an adaptive variable load limiting for the primary occupant safety restraint. The fluidic torque conversion of this invention can be variably controlled through the use of an electro/mechanical flow control device. The flow control is preferably coupled to one or more sensors, including occupant weight, occupant position, seat position, low “g”, high “g”, and belt displacement/latching sensors. This invention is adapted to be responsive to the vehicles interior safety devices, including front air bags, side air bags, seat back pivots, head rests, collapsible steering wheel, and positioning of the dash board and/or vehicle instrumentation. This invention is a re-usable system.

Abstract: A seat sensor 10 including a pressure sensing mat 12, and several barbed members or tabs 14 which are integrally formed within sensing mat 12. Sensor 10 is adapted to be operatively installed on a conventional vehicle seat. In order to install sensor 10, several holes or cavities 20 are formed within the foam 22 of the seat in a conventional manner prior to assembly, and tabs 14 are forced into cavities 20. Once tabs 14 are inserted into cavities 20, barbed portions 18 “spring” outward against the sides of the cavities 20, thereby frictionally engaging and/or piercing the sides of the cavities 20 and securing seat sensor 10 to the seat.

Abstract: An inflator device having a chamber wherein a pressure dependant gas generant reacts to produce inflation gas and at least one orifice allowing the gas to pass and inflate an airbag. The at least one orifice is defined at least in part by a shape memory alloy having an austenite finishing temperature (Tf). The at least one orifice has a first fluid flow through area (A1) when at a temperature less than Tf and a second fluid flow through area (A2) when at a temperature greater than Tf. The second fluid flow through area (A2) is less than the first fluid flow through area (A1).

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided which utilize elemental carbon and nitrous oxide in the gas generation or formation process.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device is provided wherein a gas generant reactant reacts with oxygen to produce a gaseous inflation medium. The apparatus includes a closed first chamber wherein a supply of oxygen and a quantity of at least one unreactive reaction modifier are stored. The apparatus also includes an initiator to initiate reaction of at least a fraction of the supply of oxygen with the gas generant reactant to produce a quantity of the gaseous inflation medium. Also provided are associated methods for inflating an inflatable safety device in a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the interchangeability, cost effectiveness, and protective capacity of side impact, inflatable curtains is disclosed. An inflatable curtain module may have multiple cushions attached together by a separately manufactured inflatable tension coupling. The tension coupling may be attached to the cushions prior to folding of the cushions by, for example, sewing one end of the tension coupling to each cushion. The tension coupling may also be attached to the cushions after the cushions have been folded. The cushions may each have one or more tabs positioned to extend inward toward the tension coupling; the tabs may protrude from the folded cushions so that the tension coupling can be attached to the tabs after the cushions have been folded.

Abstract: A novel airbag device, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. The airbag device includes an inflatable curtain and a wrap having a first edge and a second edge. The edges are configured such that the wrap can be secured about the curtain when the curtain is in a folded state. One edge of the wrap includes a securement portion which may be two-sided tape secured along an edge of the wrap. The securement portion allows the edges of the wrap to be secured to each other. Attachment tabs extend from an edge of the curtain through slots in the wrap to facilitate attachment of the curtain airbag to a vehicle as part of an airbag system. The curtain is folded into a predetermined configuration. The wrap is then secured about the curtain by removing a backing of the two-side tape, cinching the wrap about the curtain, and then securing one edge of the wrap to the second edge about the curtain.

Abstract: The invention presents a sled device for testing the rollover threshold of a vehicle. The sled has a carriage that is mounted on a track. The carriage can slide upon the track from a first track location. The carriage is configured so that an actual vehicle may be placed on the carriage. When a vehicle is on the carriage, the vehicle is positioned with one side of the vehicle positioned toward the first tract location and the second side of the vehicle positioned toward the second track location. The carriage is propelled from the first tract location to the second track location by an accelerator. As the carriage nears the second track location, a decelerator slows and arrests the movement of the carriage, thereby simulating an impulse potentially sufficient to cause the vehicle to roll.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided wherein a supply of ignition material is indirectly ignited to assist in the inflation process.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions are provided which compositions react to produce nitrogen gas and which compositions include at least one complex of guanylurea nitrate with at least one metal element having an atomic number of 21-30 and 39-50 and sufficient oxidizer such that, upon combustion reaction initiation of the gas generating composition, reaction products including a quantity of nitrogen gas are produced. Also, related methods of making a gas generating composition and associate methods of gas generation are provided.