Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Lonnie Drayer
  • Inflator having a support member capable of sliding to open the pressure vessel
    Patent number: 6857657
    Abstract: An inflator has a tubular member with a sealing element hermetically sealing the open end of the tubular member. The tubular member and the sealing element form a pressure vessel for storing inert gas. The inflator has a support member for supporting the sealing element. The support member prevents the forces associated with the inert gas from driving the sealing element apart from the tubular member. During a crash situation, the support member is displaced, which allows the inert gas to burst the sealing element. Consequently, the inert gas has an unobstructed path to flow out of the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J B Canterberry, Robert Mark Spangler
  • Dual stage inflator for low melting gas generants
    Patent number: 6851374
    Abstract: A dual stage invention is designed to autoignite an autoignition material before a low temperature gas generant melts. Low temperature gas generants include a high nitrogen content organic fuel with ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer. The dual stage inflator has a first gas generant and a second gas generant that are ignited by separate igniters. The first gas generant and the second gas generant are insulated from the inflator housing to delay the heat transfer from the housing to the first gas generant and second gas generant during a bonfire test, which needs to be passed to receive Department of Transportation classification. The dual stage inflator also has an autoignition cartridge for disposing of the second gas generant by the first gas generant after the first gas generant burns for a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eugene Kelley, Anthony J. Curtis, Michael Felix Mulville, Dennis A. Trevillyan, Kevin Fitzgerald
  • Vehicle structure for pedestrian protection
    Patent number: 6848738
    Abstract: A vehicle body assembly has an outer skin panel defining an exterior surface for a vehicle. An inner skin panel is spaced from the outer skin panel. One or more energy absorbing bodies are located between the inner skin panel and the outer skin panel such that the one or more energy absorbing bodies will be aligned with one or more hard points of the vehicle. The energy absorbing body may be a foam block or a hollow body such as a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Kempf, Simon Xunnan He
  • Air bag cushion and module
    Patent number: 6846005
    Abstract: An air bag module comprises an air bag inflator and an air bag inflatable by the air bag inflator. The air bag has a hole to receive the air bag inflator and at least one tab attached to the air bag near the hole to assist in the insertion of the air bag inflator into air bag. The air bag has a heat shield near the air bag inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ford, Mary Grondin, Lawrence R. Langbeen
  • Airbag module
    Patent number: 6840534
    Abstract: An airbag module has at least a housing and an inflator. The inflator is pushed into a securing device on the housing in a longitudinal direction of the inflator. A first longitudinal end of the inflator abuts against an abutment on the housing. A securing element is inserted into the housing behind a second longitudinal end of the inflator and abuts against the second longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lincoln, Thilo Wackenroder, Dirk Weyrauch, Matthias Volkmann, Hans-Peter Zirfas
  • Airbag and a deployment sensor
    Patent number: 6840539
    Abstract: A cartridge stores a quantity of string, one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. A spool which transitions to a cone is situated within the cartridge. A narrow gap around the spool forms a string storage space and a similar gap overlies the cone and leads to an outlet. Positioned within the body of the cartridge is a light source and a light detector. As string is drawn out of the cartridge, the string traverses between the light sources and a light detector generating a signal directly proportional to the rate at which string is withdrawn. The geometry of the cartridge is arranged to provide friction against the string. The friction is created between the string and the junction between the cylindrical spool and the cone and rapidly overcomes the momentum of the string when the airbag cushion comes to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Pettypiece, Jr.
  • Airbag module attachment arrangement
    Patent number: 6840537
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding hub engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each hub engagement member and each corresponding airbag engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Xu, Jason Luo, Hubert Ross, Detlef Munsch, Adolfo Ridolfi, Federico Girardi, Giuseppe Testa
  • Airbag deployment monitor and sensing electronics
    Patent number: 6838870
    Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Pettypiece, Jr., Tex K. Monroe, Timothy Ilyes
  • Apparatus for actuating a flap for the venting of inflation gases
    Patent number: 6830265
    Abstract: An airbag module comprises an airbag inflatable through an opening in the airbag. An airbag inflator provides an inflation gas into the opening in the airbag. A flap has a first position permitting gas to flow to the opening in the airbag and a second position deflecting inflation gas away fro the opening in the airbag. A propellant discharges into a discharge space moving the flap between the first position to the second position. A hood at least partially covers the discharge space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ford
  • Method for attaching an airbag module
    Patent number: 6830263
    Abstract: A method for installing an airbag assembly within a steering wheel assembly includes locating an airbag module engagement member with a corresponding armature engagement member. Once aligned, an operator presses downward on the airbag cover until switch engagement members engage their corresponding switch assembly receivers within the airbag cover. A clearance is formed between each armature engagement members and the corresponding airbag module engagement members when the module is mounted to the molded armature. Thus the switch assemblies support the airbag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Xu, Jason Luo, Adolfo Ridolfi, Federico Girardi, Giuseppe Testa, Hubert Ross, Detlef Munsch
  • Airbag deployment monitor and sensing electronics
    Patent number: 6825654
    Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Pettypiece, Jr., Tex K. Monroe, Timothy Ilyes
  • Airbag module
    Patent number: 6824163
    Abstract: An airbag module has a base plate, an inflator and an airbag. To manufacture the airbag module in the most cost effective manner, the airbag is attached to the base plate or the inflator with a clamping connection. The inflator is attached to the base plate by a clamping connection. Alternatively, at least one through opening is located in the base plate, a through opening via which during the manufacture of the airbag module at least one bar can be inserted, to stretch the airbag fastened to the base plate prior to folding the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Sen, Udo Bönsch, Rolf Sawal
  • Devices for attaching an airbag to a vehicle
    Patent number: 6802527
    Abstract: A clamp for attaching a folded airbag constituting part of a vehicle occupant restraint system to a vehicle structure has a head for attachment to the vehicle structure and at least one arm adjoining the head for holding the airbag. To prevent an arm being broken away from a clamp, the clamp is of one-armed construction and the one arm is so shaped that the folded airbag, or a pouch containing it, is held at least partially between the single arm and the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Schmidt, Volker Hofmann, Markus Richter, Marko Morhard
  • Airbag with bag mounted sensor
    Patent number: 6796578
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant position sensor is mounted on the front of an airbag which is deployed toward a vehicle occupant. The sensor comprises a capacitance sensor constructed by rendering portions of the airbag which face the vehicle occupant conductive. The airbag on which the sensor is placed is also constructed to allow venting of the airbag before it is fully deployed. The distance between the sensor and the vehicle occupant is continually determined with respect to the sensor. The output of the capacitive sensor is processed by a control system and is used to predict the interaction between the airbag and the vehicle passenger and to cause the airbag to be vented if that interaction is predicted to be more harmful than beneficial to the vehicle occupant. A system which prevents airbag venting once the airbag is inflated or nearly inflated can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig White, John Burdock, Ed Clancy
  • Airbag deployment rate sensor with spool brake
    Patent number: 6793243
    Abstract: An airbag deployment rate sensor employs a tape or string that is wound on a spool and connected to the fabric of an airbag cushion so that as the airbag deploys, tape or string is pulled from the spool causing it to rotate. A brake is applied to the spool to prevent the buildup of momentum and so the tape and the spool will come to a rapid stop when the tape is no longer being withdrawn from the spool because the portion of the airbag to which the tape is connected has collided with an object. A sensor is positioned to detect rotation of the spool and so to monitor the rate at which tape or string is being withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harald Snorre Husby
  • Variable time venting algorithm
    Patent number: 6789818
    Abstract: An algorithm for evaluating information from sensors interacting with strips that are extended during activation of the airbag determines whether the airbag has contacted an out-of-position occupant. In one embodiment, each strip includes an alternating pattern that generates a frequency in a sensor through which the strip passes during deployment. The frequency generated is based upon the speed with which the strip passes by the sensor and, in turn, the speed of deployment of the airbag. A controller evaluates the frequency and the changes in frequency from the sensor during deployment. Depending upon the specific configuration of the system and the specific vehicle, a decrease in the speed of deployment of the airbag may be indicated by a decrease in the frequency of the signal. A decrease in speed of deployment may indicate that the airbag is in contact with an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Gioutsos, Daniel Tabar
  • Method and apparatus for folding an airbag
    Patent number: 6789821
    Abstract: An airbag is pushed in portions by at least one slide means into at least one compartment in order to generate the folding. So that even complex folds are possible using a relatively simple apparatus, in accordance with the invention the airbag is arranged on the apparatus with a first portion in a substantially vertical position, and a second portion of the airbag is pushed into a compartment, during which the second portion is pre-tensioned by the weight of the first portion in front of the associated slide means. Further provided is pushing the airbag in a first direction into at least one first compartment and pushing in a second direction into at least one second compartment, this second direction being directed at an angle in relation to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Zink, Ralph Mohr
  • Sensor for monitoring airbag deployment
    Patent number: 6789819
    Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor stores a quantity of tape which is drawn out of a cartridge during airbag deployment by one end of the tape which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag. To facilitate assembly of an airbag system, the cartridge is designed with a key for locking the tape against premature extraction from the cartridge during the assembly process. The cartridge is used in combination with a mounting bracket which assures that the tape is free to be extracted from the cartridge once the cartridge is mounted to the bracket because, either the cartridge cannot be mounted to the bracket with the key in place, or the mounting bracket causes the key to move to a non-locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harald S. Husby
  • Device for determining the load on a vehicle occupant
    Patent number: 6786294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Specht
  • Seat belt retractot with hydraulic load limiting
    Patent number: 6786511
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a vehicle seat belt has a belt reel for the seat belt. A free-flowing load limiting medium is arranged in a working chamber. A displacement means is drivable by the belt reel. The load limiting medium is transported through at least one flow channel by the displacement means. The flow cross-section in the flow channel is selected as a function of the kinematic viscosity of the load limiting medium, to achieve a belt force limitation profile over time which approaches that of a torque rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Heckmayr