Patents Assigned to Autoliv ASP, Inc.
  • Pyrotechnic lap belt pretensioner with slider bar function
    Patent number: 8550499
    Abstract: A slider bar for use with two-door style motor vehicles for anchoring the lap belt for front seat occupants. The slider bar allows the lower anchorage point of the lap belt to freely move in the fore and aft direction to enhance rear seat compartment passenger ingress and egress. The slider bar further incorporates a pyrotechnic lap pretensioner (PLP) function for exerting pretensioning motion of the lap belt in response to a vehicle impact. The slider bar incorporates an internal piston which acts on the belt webbing position on the outside of the slider bar tube. Various embodiments are described incorporating alternate means of mounting the lap belt lower end to the slider bar, as well as various configurations for transferring the motion of the internal piston to the lap belt lower anchorage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Russell, Timothy J. Cahill, Regis Dutell
  • INERTIAL SENSOR ENHANCEMENT
    Publication number: 20130262020
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing inertial sensing within a vehicle. The system determines measured rotational rates and translational accelerations of the vehicle using an inertial measurement unit. In addition, the system also determines estimated rotational rates and translational accelerations of the vehicle based on a remote sensing system. The system generates compensated rotational rates and translational accelerations to reduce gain errors or offset errors of the inertial measurement unit based on the estimated rotational rates and translational accelerations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Colm P. Boran, Edward J. Bedner
  • Sloped faced airbag cushions for mitigating neck injury
    Patent number: 8544877
    Abstract: Airbag cushions are provided that mitigate the potential for injury to an occupant's neck via a sloped face, a particular cushion height, and/or a relatively flat top portion. These airbag cushions can be used with seat belt systems that moderates the seat belt loads acting on the occupant to allow an improved synchronization of the occupant torso and head rebound timing, which in turn limits head and torso differential loading (frontal whiplash) and therefore occupant neck loads and neck, based on the position of the occupant, loads on the seatbelt, or a predetermined time in the crash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Williams, Patrick Dee Jamison, Akihiro Yamada
  • Inflatable knee airbag assemblies with cushion fold pattern
    Patent number: 8540276
    Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a housing and an airbag cushion within the housing in a packaged state. The airbag cushion can include a rolled region and an accordion fold. The rolled region and the accordion fold can be positioned within the housing so as to provide a desired trajectory when the airbag cushion is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, John F. Whitt, Jr.
  • Linear seat belt pretensioner
    Patent number: 8528987
    Abstract: A linear seat belt pretensioner (10, 110, 210) has a frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213) and an axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160; 232) rigidly connected to the frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213), a gas generator (20, 120, 220) in fluid communication with the axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160, 232), and a piston (40, 140, 240) movably arranged in the axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160; 232). An actuating profile (42, 142, 242) movable with the piston (40, 140) pulls a length of seat belt webbing (38, 238) into the frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213) that corresponds to twice the piston stroke (D). The pretensioner device having a locking ramp arrangement (66, 70; 266, 290, 292) configured to form a one-way clutch allowing an increase and resisting a reduction of the length of belt webbing (38, 238) received by the pretensioner (10, 110, 210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cahill, Jon E. Burrow
  • Seatbelt height adjuster assembly
    Patent number: 8523229
    Abstract: A height adjuster assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle “B” pillar for affixing a D-ring belt anchorage. The height adjuster assembly can be moved to a plurality of vertical positions for optimally locating a seat belt and D-ring. The adjuster assembly includes a slider assembly movable along a rail preferably formed by a roll forming operation. A rotatable pawl within the slider assembly is biased into engagement with the rail teeth and is held in a normally locked position. A pushbutton can be actuated to rotate the lock pawl to a disengaged position allowing vertical adjustment. The system features few parts, low-cost construction, and provides high structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Kohlndorfer
  • AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES WITH STRAP CLAMPS
    Publication number: 20130221637
    Abstract: Inflatable airbag assemblies having a strap and clamp system to securely hold an inflator relative to a housing. The strap may be attached to an airbag cushion to restrict the movement of the strap or strap may not be attached to the airbag cushion and may move freely while positioned within openings in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lewis, Isaac Lewis Hoffman, Larry D. Rose, Matthew Alan Cox, Kirk Rasmussen
  • Discharge orifice for airbag inflator
    Patent number: 8517420
    Abstract: A primary gas flow aperture communicates between upstream and the downstream sides of a bulkhead securable across an inflator discharge passageway, accommodating some inflation gas flow through the passageway. A deformable flow control panel peripherally secured on the downstream side of the bulkhead has a closure portion obscuring some inflation gas flow past the bulkhead. Pressure of the inflation gas on the closure portion deforms the control panel away from the bulkhead. A primary gas flow window through the flow control panel overlies all or some of the primary gas flow aperture. When the primary gas flow window is larger than or equal to the primary gas flow aperture, supplemental gas flow apertures are formed through the bulkhead separated from the primary gas flow aperture. Otherwise, supplemental gas flow windows are formed through the flow control panel separated from the primary gas flow window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher K. Fischer
  • Mass-damper system
    Patent number: 8505701
    Abstract: A vibration attenuation apparatus may include a mass element, a bracket, and an elastomeric member. The mass element may include a first aperture. The bracket may include first and second portions. The first portion may be attached to a structure that transmits an input vibration. The elastomeric member may engage the mass element and the second portion of the bracket and may suspend the mass element relative to the bracket. The elastomeric member may include a shaft portion and a barb portion. The shaft portion may engage the second portion of the bracket. The barb portion may engage the first aperture of the mass element. The elastomeric member may include properties allowing the mass element to move relative to the bracket in response to the input vibration at a frequency that reduces an amplitude of the input vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Sella, Charles Bonam, Russell Gans, Dean Cole
  • Airbag assemblies with strap clamps
    Patent number: 8505963
    Abstract: Inflatable airbag assemblies having a strap and clamp system to securely hold an inflator relative to a housing. The strap may be attached to an airbag cushion to restrict the movement of the strap or strap may not be attached to the airbag cushion and may move freely while positioned within openings in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lewis, Isaac Lewis Hoffman, Larry D. Rose, Matthew Alan Cox, Kirk Rasmussen
  • Packaging system for retaining propulsive devices
    Patent number: 8505723
    Abstract: A packaging fixture may include a first member including a plurality of first generally round apertures and a plurality of first elongated apertures. The first member may include a thickness from a first side to an opposite second side and each of the plurality of first round apertures and the plurality of elongated apertures may extend through the thickness of the first member. Each of the plurality of elongated apertures may be connected to and extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first round apertures. Each of the plurality of first round apertures may be adapted to receive a portion of a propulsive device. The first member may be adapted to retain the propulsive device when a protrusion of the propulsive device is misaligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Asp, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus T. Clark, Patti Quinney, Nyle K. Longhurst
  • Two-piece steering wheel back-cover for improved safety performance
    Patent number: 8505410
    Abstract: A new type of steering wheel cover is designed for use with a steering wheel that has one or more spokes. The cover will include an upper portion and a lower portion. Generally, the lower portion is the region or portion of the steering wheel that is positioned at the junction between the spoke and the steering wheel rim. The upper portion and the lower portion are separated by at least one split line. The split line is designed such that during a crash or accident, the upper portion and the lower portion will collapse into each other and absorb some of the energy of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Matsu, Delia Dumitrecu, Mark Ressler, Anthony Gloriosa
  • HYDROGEN ENHANCED REACTIVE GAS INFLATOR
    Publication number: 20130199399
    Abstract: An inflator device for a passive restraint device, such as an airbag, and methods of inflating an airbag. In certain aspects, an initiator device is provided in a housing. The initiator device includes at least one chemical hydride compound. Upon initiator actuation, an enhanced shock wave generated by the initiator device opens a temporary closure between the inflator housing and the downstream airbag to permit gases to flow into the airbag. Released hydrogen reacts with oxygen from a stored pressurized gas, and combustion products of the initiator device flow into the airbag for rapid inflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
  • Inflatable airbag assembly with an integral cover
    Patent number: 8500155
    Abstract: Inflatable airbag cushions can be rolled and/or folded into a housing assembly. The housing assembly aids in coupling an inflator to the airbag and a vehicle structure. The housing also couples the airbag to a vehicle structure. The housing can be mounted behind an knee bolster or steering wheel of a vehicle and has a cover that can be flush with the cabin side of the mounted position. The housing cover can be a cosmetically finished piece or a cosmetically unfinished piece. The housing cover can be an integral part of the housing, and may be used in combination with a one-piece inflator mounting bracket and heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Enders
  • Knee airbag assemblies and related methods
    Patent number: 8500157
    Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. In some arrangements, a portion of the airbag is secured to the housing via an inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, John F. Witt, Michael Kutchey, Jamie R. Fritz, Mark L. Enders, Louis Mueller, Larry Lunt
  • Inflatable curtain airbag with an integrated pillar guide
    Patent number: 8500162
    Abstract: Inflatable curtain airbags deploy smoothly with an integrated pillar guide that minimizes interference with a vehicle pillar. The integrated pillar is a thin piece of semi-flexible, semi-rigid material housed in a pocket that is coupled to a curtain airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Moffitt, Timothy A. DePottey
  • LINEAR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER
    Publication number: 20130193740
    Abstract: A linear seat belt pretensioner includes a housing with a sealed axial cavity and a piston (52, 152, 232, 352, 452) slidable in the cavity. A gas generator (76, 166, 156, 376, 476) deploys into the axial cavity, thereby propelling the piston outward. Because the axial cavity is well sealed, the arrangement retains the gas pressure upon deployment and is capable of a restart after a partial displacement if additional slack develops. The piston travels by a distance (X) corresponding to the piston travel and shortens the length of seat belt webbing available outside the pretensioner device by twice or thrice the distance (2X). The axial cavity can be sealed with a bladder element, such as a rolling sock (38). Alternatively, the seal may be established by a hollow piston (152) forming a ballistic seal with the wall of the cavity under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario Brisighella, Christopher Fischer, Brent Parks
  • LINEAR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER
    Publication number: 20130193741
    Abstract: A linear seat belt pretensioner (10, 110, 210) has a frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213) and an axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160; 232) rigidly connected to the frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213), a gas generator (20, 120, 220) in fluid communication with the axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160, 232), and a piston (40, 140, 240) movably arranged in the axial cavity (24, 60; 124, 160; 232). An actuating profile (42, 142, 242) movable with the piston (40, 140) pulls a length of seat belt webbing (38, 238) into the frame (12; 112, 113; 212, 213) that corresponds to twice the piston stroke (D). The pretensioner device having a locking ramp arrangement (66, 70; 266, 290, 292) configured to form a one-way clutch allowing an increase and resisting a reduction of the length of belt webbing (38, 238) received by the pretensioner (10, 110, 210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cahill, Jon E. Burrow
  • TETHER ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AIRBAG CUSHION AND METHOD OF ATTACHING
    Publication number: 20130187369
    Abstract: Tether attachment arrangements for a vehicle airbag cushion and methods for attaching tethers to inflatable cushions are provided. One inflatable cushion assembly includes an inflatable cushion having an interior and a tether disposed within the interior of the inflatable cushion. The tether has at least one portion attached to the interior of the inflatable cushion. The inflatable cushion assembly also includes a circuitous stitching at the portion attaching the tether to the interior of the inflatable cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hock, Martha Vazquez
  • Airbag covers, airbag modules including such covers, and methods of making airbag covers for use with airbag modules
    Patent number: 8491002
    Abstract: Airbag covers include a covering portion adapted to at least substantially cover a portion of an airbag housing, and a plurality of tabs positioned to extend at least substantially transverse from the covering portion. The plurality of tabs are adapted to be coupled with a portion of an airbag housing. Each tab comprises an opening therein, and at least one tab of the plurality of tabs comprises at least one tear seam. Airbag modules including such covers further comprise a housing including an inflatable cushion and an inflator disposed at least partially therein. The housing comprises a plurality of cover retention components, each including a portion thereof disposed within an opening of a respective tab of the airbag cover. In forming an airbag cover, a covering portion with a plurality of tabs transversely extending therefrom are formed, and at least one tear seam is formed in at least one tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, John F. Witt, Jr.