Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell, Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
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Patent number: 6437270Abstract: An electrical switch (10) comprises switch contacts (100, 104) having a closed condition and an open condition. The switch (10) comprises an actuator (40) movable in a first direction (110) in a first stroke to close the contacts (100, 104) and movable in the first direction in a second stroke to cause the contacts to open. A rotatable bar (70) is carried by the actuator (40). The switch (10) includes a mechanism (14, 94, 96) for rotating the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the first stroke, to locate the bar in a latching position to hold the contacts (100, 104) in the closed condition. The mechanism (14, 94, 96) also rotates the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the second stroke, to move the bar from the latching position and to cause the contacts (100, 104) to open.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Morrison, Daniel C. Murphy
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Patent number: 6435442Abstract: A vehicle-sensitive sensor for a belt retractor for vehicle safety belt systems, comprises an inertia body displaceable in case of decelerations and accelerations of the sensor, and a two-armed lever. A first arm of the two-armed lever forms a coupling pawl, and a second arm of the two-armed lever is able to be engaged by the inertia body such that, in case of a displacement of the inertia body, the lever is pivoted so that the coupling pawl is directed into a clutch toothing.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Kielwein, Jürgen Rink, Johannes Schmid
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Patent number: 6435554Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) includes a knee bolster (22), an inflatable device (30), an actuatable inflator (40), and a flexible tether (50). The knee bolster (22) is movable in the vehicle from a stored position adjacent to an instrument panel (14) of the vehicle to an actuated position to engage a knee of the occupant of the vehicle. The inflatable device (30) moves the knee bolster (22) from the stored position to the actuated position. The inflatable device (30) inflates in a first direction toward the knees of the vehicle occupant. The inflator (40) inflates the inflatable device (30). The tether (50) limits movement of the knee bolster (22) in the first direction and positions the knee bolster in the actuated position. The tether (50) engages an exterior central surface portion (32) of the inflatable device (30) and restricts inflation of the central surface portion (32) of the inflatable device.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventor: Peter C. Feldman
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Patent number: 6437265Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement to be secured to a base part of a vehicle. The arrangement comprises first and second parts to be secured to the base part in sequence and adjacent and aligned to each other, and a device for aligning the first and second parts to each other. The first part is to be secured to the base part before the second part. The device has at least one protuberance on the first part extending toward the second part. The protuberance features an alignment bevel configured relative to the second part such that it is contacted by the second part during assembling of the first and second parts to the base part.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Martin Kreuzer
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Patent number: 6435545Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable away from a vehicle roof (18) between a vehicle side structure (16) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) further comprises an anchoring device (70) that comprises a track (72) and an element (74) that is slidable along the track. The track (72) is connected to the side structure (16) and has a wall (82, 200) comprising a smooth uninterrupted surface (94, 202). The element (74) is connected to the device (14) and has a surface (130, 242) that is in continuous engagement with the surface (94, 202) of the wall (82, 200). The device (14) applies a first force to the element (74) which causes the element to slide in a first direction along the track (72). The element (74) is urged to slide along the track (72) in a second direction, opposite the first direction, when a second force is applied to the element.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Thomas Osentoski, John P. Wallner
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Patent number: 6435546Abstract: A cover assembly (10) for covering an inflatable occupant protection device (30) comprises a cover (50). The cover (50) has an inner surface (70) for facing the inflatable occupant protection device and a manually depressible outer surface (72). An electrical switch (110) is actuatable by manual depression of the outer surface (72). A backer plate (120) supports the electrical switch (110) adjacent the inner surface (70). A plurality of openings (122) extend through the backer plate (120). A rib (94) extends from the inner surface (70) of the cover (50) around at least a portion of the periphery of the electrical switch (110). A plurality of stakes (92) extend from the inner surface (70) through the plurality of openings (122) in the backer plate (120). Each of the plurality of stakes (92) has a portion (130) connected with the rib (94) to hold the backer plate (120) on the cover (50).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: David F. Scherer, Mark M. Klozik, Gregory R. Kigar, David A. Short, Douglas M. Gould, Jerri A. Brachel, Chienhom Lee
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Patent number: 6435544Abstract: In an occupant restraint system for a vehicle that has a body structure which is covered internally by a lining, an inflatable gas bag is packed in a casing. The lining is provided with a recess. The casing extends along an edge of the recess and is in snug contact therewith. The casing is exposed or at the most is covered by a decorative cover foil or cover sheet. The major part of the casing is not covered by the lining. The casing may be demarcated evidently from the lining by design elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Roland Brucker
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Patent number: 6438467Abstract: A system (10) for a vehicle (12) that has a plurality of inflatable tires (14-20), wherein the system has a plurality of sensor units (22-28) associated with the plurality of tires. Each of the sensor units (e.g., 22) senses inflation pressure of the associated tire (e.g., 14) and transmits a signal (e.g., 30) indicative of the sensed tire inflation pressure. A portable unit (44) of the system (10) is located remote from the vehicle (12) and is operable by a person (66) to transmit a signal (48) that conveys a remote control function request. The portable unit (44) also receives a signal (46) indicative of sensed tire inflation pressure and provides an indication of tire inflation pressure to the person (66). A control/communication unit (40) is located at the vehicle and receives the signal (48) conveying the remote function request and causes performance of the remotely requested function. The control/communication unit (40) also receives the signals (e.g., 30) transmitted from the sensor units (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Ernest Edmond Pacsai
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Patent number: 6431599Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag, an outer contour of the gas bag being defined by a gas bag wall which has a front wall for the impact of an occupant with a centric opening as a transition to an indentation in the gas bag. The indentation is formed in that during inflation a center portion of the gas bag wall is prevented from freely moving and is restrained. A closure part is provided which encloses one of the indentation and the opening and engages the gas bag wall. A traction device is provided which is connected with the closure part. The traction device is attached such that due to a deployment of the gas bag a tensile force is exerted on the traction device and the tensile force is passed on to the closure part, and one of the indentation and the opening is at least partly closed.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stefan Bohn
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Patent number: 6431600Abstract: A knee restraint device for vehicles comprises a base plate and a knee protector part fastened to the base plate. The knee protector part has a load distributor plate with openings and has a covering of plastic. The covering has a rear face facing the load distributor plate and a front face directed in an opposite direction. The covering is provided with pins formed on the rear face and is fastened in a form-fitting manner to the load distributor plate by the pins projecting through the openings in the load distributor plate. The pins have free ends which are shaped such that the free ends project radially outwards and over the openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Freisler, Bernd Kleinmann, Dirk Schultz, Gerd Zischka, Klaus Bernhard, Robert Mohr
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Patent number: 6431595Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises a storage container (30), a primary inflation fluid under pressure in a gaseous state in the container, and a secondary inflation fluid under pressure in the container. The container (30) is openable to enable the primary inflation fluid to flow out of the container into the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device (14). At least a portion of the secondary inflation fluid is in a non-gaseous state in the container (30) during flow of the primary inflation fluid into the inflatable device. The portion of the secondary inflation fluid in the non-gaseous state thereafter changing to the gaseous state and flowing into the inflatable device to maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Jess A. Cuevas, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Jack L. Blumenthal, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6431586Abstract: A restraint device for an occupant in a vehicle having a steering wheel, a dashboard with a lower end limiting a footwell, an A-pillar and a windshield, comprises a first gas bag for protecting the thorax area of a vehicle occupant, and a second gas bag for supporting the first gas bag. The second gas bag has a deployed condition and extends at least partly over the windshield of the vehicle in the deployed condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Heinz Eyrainer, Alexander Heilig, Reiner Dannenhauer
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Patent number: 6431306Abstract: A fluid power assist rack and pinion steering system (12) for a vehicle having steerable wheels comprises a rack (66) connected with steering linkage of the vehicle for, upon movement of the rack, moving the steering linkage to effect turning of the steerable wheels. A rotatable pinion (64) is in meshing engagement with the rack (66). The steering system (12) also includes a control valve (22) comprising a valve core (40) rotatable relative to a valve sleeve (42). A first part (56) connects the valve sleeve (42) for rotation with the pinion (64). A mechanism (38) resists relative rotation between the valve core (40) and the valve sleeve (42) as vehicle speed increases by placing axial force on the valve sleeve. A second part (170) on the valve sleeve (42) resists axial movement of the valve sleeve relative to the valve core (40).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Phillip A. Bishop, Otis Pierson
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Patent number: 6431594Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). An autoignition mechanism (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick
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Patent number: 6431593Abstract: A vehicle crash determination arrangement (20) includes a plurality of weight sensors (52,54). The sensors (52,54) are disposed beneath a vehicle seat (16), and each sensor senses a weight value from the seat and an occupant (14) located on the seat. A center of gravity determination portion (62) of a controller (34) determines center of gravity of the seat (16) and the occupant (14) using the sensed weight values. A C.O.G. crash determination portion (64) of the controller (34) determines occurrence of a vehicle crash using change in the determined center of gravity and outputs a signal (66) indicative of the determination of crash occurrence. Preferably, the arrangement (20) is part of an occupant protection system (10) for the occupant (14). The system (10) includes an actuatable occupant protection device (24). An actuation control portion (46) of the controller (34) controls actuation of the device (24).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. W. Cooper, Edward J. Gillis, Ron Behar, Chek-Peng Foo
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Patent number: 6431884Abstract: A housing (10) for shielding a circuit (12) from electromagnetic interference comprises at least one electrically conductive connector pin (50) having a central portion, a first end portion (62) and a second end portion (66). The housing (10) also comprises an insulator (70). The central portion of the connector pin (50) is disposed within the insulator (70). The first end portion (62) and the second end portion (66) of the connector pin (50) extend outward from the insulator (70). The housing (10) includes a housing body (20) made from an electrically conductive moldable plastic material (22). The housing body (20) is molded over at least a portion of the insulator (70) to secure the insulator and thereby the connector pin (50) in the housing (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: David Lee Wallace, Michael Patrick McGlynchey
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Patent number: 6431597Abstract: An apparatus (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating material (16) that when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating material (16) includes an inorganic salt oxidizer, a water-soluble binder, and about 1 to about 10% of a supplemental fuel selected from the group consisting of 3,6-dihydrazino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, 3,6-diamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-dioxide, and 3,6-diamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Abdelkader M. Helmy, Wen Tong
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Patent number: 6431804Abstract: A preassembled endgate (10) for blocking movement of a load (12) along the floor (30) of a vehicle (14) includes a floor panel (40) adapted to extend along the vehicle floor, and a load panel (90) engageable with the load. The endgate (10) also comprises a first hinge (140-142) connected between the load panel (90) and the floor panel (40) to enable the load panel to pivot relative to the floor panel between (a) a stored condition in a side by side relationship with the floor panel and (b) a blocking condition extending upward from and transverse to the floor panel. The endgate (10) also comprises a brace panel (150) extending between and transverse to the load panel (90) and to the floor panel (40) to maintain the load panel in the blocking condition relative to the floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: John M. Wetzig, III
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Patent number: 6432033Abstract: A method of folding a side gas bag in a packet form having a gas bag consisting of a substantially rectangular fabric section having rounded corners, a connecting plate for connecting to a gas generator and having fastening bolts projecting through the fabric section includes the steps of folding the fabric section along a first fold edge to an approximately square shape with free edges; arranging the free edges one over the other; and connecting the free edges with each other to form the closed bag. During the folding, a free space i8s formed between two adjacent layers of the fabric sections for the insertion of a fold rule. Thereafter, the free space is widened by means of a fold rule and the remaining fabric material is then, by means of further fold rules externally engaging and inserted, folded in on both sides from a center of the free space several times in meandering from in layers parallel to the connecting plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Claudia Salzmann, Andreas Weis
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Patent number: 6431590Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) inflatable between the side structure (16) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) includes at least one inflatable front chamber (120), rear chamber (150), and middle chamber (100). The front chamber (120) and the rear chamber (150) each have an inflation fluid inlet (122 and 152) near an upper edge (50) of the device (14) and an inflation fluid outlet (124 and 154). The middle chamber (100) has at least one inflation fluid inlet (102, 104) near the lower edge (52) and is free from inlets near the upper edge (50). Inflation fluid enters the front and rear chambers (120 and 150) through the inlets (122 and 152) and exits through the outlets (124 and 154) into the inflation fluid inlets (102, 104) of the middle chamber (100) to inflate the middle chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Ali Emam Bakhsh, Ayad G. Nayef, Russell E. Stein, Paul A. Bowers