Patents Assigned to Autoliv ASP, Inc.
  • PYROTECHNIC TETHER RELEASE ASSEMBLY FOR INFLATABLE AIRBAGS
    Publication number: 20120242068
    Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Don Paxton, Geoffrey Mills, Brent Parks, Michael P. Jordan, R. Mark Hubbard, Marcus Weber
  • PYROTECHNIC TETHER RELEASE ASSEMBLY WITH A BREAK-AWAY PISTON FOR INFLATABLE AIRBAGS
    Publication number: 20120242069
    Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may be varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Michael P. Jordan, R. Mark Hubbard, Marcus Weber
  • PYROTECHNIC TETHER RELEASE ASSEMBLY FOR INFLATABLE AIRBAGS
    Publication number: 20120242070
    Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Don Paxton, Geoffrey Mills, Brent Parks, Michael P. Jordan, R. Mark Hubbard, Marcus Weber
  • Low-mount inflatable knee airbags having serial chambers
    Patent number: 8272667
    Abstract: An inflatable knee airbag can have a plurality of inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers can be formed as independent chambers, rather than a single chamber being divided by an internal tether. The inflatable chambers can be arranged in a serial configuration, wherein the chambers form an “L” shape so that when the airbag is deployed, it conforms to the shape of an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, Michael Joseph Lachat, ChangSoo Choi, Christina R. Morris
  • Airbag lateral flap
    Patent number: 8272664
    Abstract: The airbag assembly features an airbag cushion, a deployment flap, an extension flap attached to the deployment flap, and a lateral flap. The deployment flap is configured to protect the airbag cushion as it deploys from the module housing. The extension flap is configured to position the airbag cushion during deployment. The lateral flap is configured to allow for proper airbag deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Benny, Michael Lachat, Anna Libby, Bobby Lusk
  • COMPRESSED GAS INFLATOR WITH COMPOSITE OVERWRAP
    Publication number: 20120234839
    Abstract: An inflator device includes a steel member to at least in part form a pressure vessel and an external composite wrap overlying at least a portion of the metal member. The metal member can be tubular and have an elongated length such as to form a steel inner liner that is incapable of withstanding the pressure generated within the pressure vessel upon actuation of the inflator device without support provided by the composite overwrap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Michael P. Jordan
  • PYROTECHNIC INFLATOR WITH COMPOSITE OVERWRAP
    Publication number: 20120235392
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator assembly including a shell member and an end cap joinable with the shell member to form a subassembly. The subassembly containing a quantity of pyrotechnic material and at least in part defining a combustion chamber wherein at least a portion of the quantity of pyrotechnic material is reactable to form product gas for inflation of an associated airbag cushion and to generate pressure within the combustion chamber. The inflator assembly further including an overwrap about at least a portion of the subassembly to form a pyrotechnic inflator assembly that withstands the pressure generated within the combustion chamber upon reaction of the pyrotechnic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley W. SMITH
  • ENHANCED ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120239225
    Abstract: Remote sensor units for a vehicle are described. A remote sensor unit may comprise an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may comprise an electronic component. The electronic assembly may comprise one or more signal terminals coupled to the electronic component. The electronic assembly may comprise a protective enclosure arranged to encapsulate the electronic component. The protective enclosure is arranged to isolate the electronic component from thermal energy, pressure or residual material stress associated with one or more satellite housings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, JR., Stephen Bogdan, William M. Leach, Jeffrey T. Kida, Richard Rakes, JR.
  • ANTENNA ARRAY FOR ULTRA WIDE BAND RADAR APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20120229366
    Abstract: A low profile antenna array for UWB radar antenna applications is disclosed. It may be used as a mid-range receiving antenna array (RXM) or as a mid-range transmitting antenna array (TXM). In some embodiments, the RXM or the TXM may include a plurality of radiation patch elements formed on a top layer of a printed circuit board (PCB), a distribution feeding network in the mid-layer of the PCB having a patch array, and a serial feeding arrangement from a ?/4 coupling slot to each feeding patch. This antenna may have a desirable large frequency bandwidth with relatively flat antenna gain over a frequency range from 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz. In addition, sidelobe levels for the elevation patterns may be below ?20 dB. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Xueru Ding
  • Mounting assemblies with wrappers for inflatable curtain airbags
    Patent number: 8240701
    Abstract: Mounting assemblies can be used to retain an inflatable airbag cushion in a packaged configuration and attach the cushion to a vehicle structure. The mounting assemblies can have a mounting bracket and a wrapping member. The assemblies can also have a connecting member that connects the mounting bracket to the wrapper. The mounting bracket is attached to a vehicle structure and the wrapping member wraps and retains the cushion after it has been rolled and/or folded. During airbag deployment, the wrapping member releases the cushion so that it can be fully inflated and the mounting structure continues to anchor the cushion to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake L. Cheal, Kurt L. Gammill
  • Textile gas guides for use with inflatable cushions
    Patent number: 8235415
    Abstract: Textile gas guides adapted for use with inflatable cushions and airbag systems are configured to be formed in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for specialized equipment during manufacturing, and to be sufficiently reinforced to withstand damage during use. Such textile gas guides may comprise a second edge of a first fabric member overlapping and coupled with a shear seam to a portion of a third edge of a second fabric member. The third edge and a fourth edge of the second fabric member may be coupled together with a second seam sewed through the two edges of the second fabric member. The second fabric member at least substantially encompasses the first fabric member. Airbag systems employing such textile gas guides may include at least one inflatable cushion, a portion of which is coupled to the textile gas guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt L. Gamill, Bryan Walston
  • Inflator assembly
    Patent number: 8231747
    Abstract: An inflator assembly having an inflator body that forms a chamber wherein a quantity of a gas generating solid reacts to form gas. A quantity of gas treatment material is included to treat the formed gas to form a treated gas. At least one assembly exit opening permits the treated gas to exit the inflator assembly. The required gas generating solid has a flame temperature of no more than 1670 K with the inflator assembly having significant weight and volume reductions as compared to an otherwise identical performing inflator assembly that utilizes gas generating composition having higher flame temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Gary K. Lund
  • Enhanced electronic assembly
    Patent number: 8234034
    Abstract: Remote sensor units for a vehicle are described. A remote sensor unit may comprise an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may comprise an electronic component. The electronic assembly may comprise one or more signal terminals coupled to the electronic component. The electronic assembly may comprise a protective enclosure arranged to encapsulate the electronic component. The protective enclosure is arranged to isolate the electronic component from thermal energy, pressure or residual material stress associated with one or more satellite housings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, Jr., Stephen Bogdan, William M. Leach, Jeffrey T. Kida, Richard Rakes, Jr.
  • Safety venting with passively closeable vents
    Patent number: 8226118
    Abstract: The airbag cushion has a passive venting system that remains open or transitions to a closed position depending on the impact of the airbag with an occupant and the position of the occupant. The venting system self closes upon deployment when an occupant is not out of position but remains open when an occupant is out of position. The venting system self closes due to cushion membrane tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Jeffrey D. Williams, John C. Newkirk
  • Thin linear seatbelt pretensioner
    Patent number: 8226122
    Abstract: A linear pretensioner for use as part of a motor vehicle occupant belt restraint system mountable to vehicle structure and coupled with a belt restraint system component. The pretensioner includes at least one base plate having a slot and at least one closure plate fixedly attached to the base plate. The closure plate(s) and the slot of the base plate(s) form a cavity having an open end. A piston plate has a piston tail slidably disposed within the cavity and a piston head extending from the open end. A cable is coupled with the piston plate, the base plate(s), and/or the closure plate(s). The piston plate, the slot of the base plate(s), and the closure plate(s) cooperate to form an expanding chamber that enlarges when pressurized by a gas generator, which drives the piston plate and the base plate relative to each other to exert tension on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell Chenney Lane, Jr.
  • Adaptive load limiting retractor
    Patent number: 8220735
    Abstract: An adaptive load limiting seat belt retractor particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications. The retractor provides multiple levels of load limiting through the use of a pair of internal torsion bar elements. The torsion bar elements control the tension force on the seat belt webbing during an impact in a manner which provides desirable crash management characteristics. The retractor can be switched between high and low load limiting modes through activation of a pyrotechnic pretensioner. When the pyrotechnic pretensioner is not activated, the retractor provides a low load level characteristic. Pretensioner activation switches the retractor into a high load level operating condition. A high load limiting level is provided when the pretensioner is not activated if the spindle rotation exceeds a limited level in the low load limiting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Frank Kiiskila, Daniel Webb, Jon E. Burrow, Kurt W. Schulz, Chad Moore, Gerald Keller
  • Combustion inhibitor coating for gas generants
    Patent number: 8221565
    Abstract: Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include a gas generant having a coating including an inorganic combustion inhibitor. Such coated gas generants are useful in pyrotechnic compositions and ignition materials, and may be employed, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. The ratio of coated and uncoated gas generant bodies within an airbag inflator may be tailored to provide S-curve inflation performance. Spray application of aqueous mixture including the combustion inhibitor onto the gas generant body provides a rapid way to achieve a thin but robust coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Gary K. Lund, Brett Hussey
  • Retainer and inflator
    Patent number: 8215670
    Abstract: An inflator includes a plate-like retainer that is placed in a pressure container of the inflator for producing gas to be supplied to an airbag. At the center of the inflator is formed a fitting section fitted to a tube placed in the pressure container. The tube separates an ignition source and a gas generation agent. At least one pressure release hole is provided on the outer side of the outer periphery of the fitting section. The retainer has a step formed at a portion where the outer periphery of the retainer is in contact with the filter. The retainer and inflator may have simple structures not affecting productivity and reliably preventing gas leakage between the retainer and a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianlin Chen, Atsuhiro Arai, Yoji Tasaki
  • SLOPED FACED AIRBAG CUSHIONS FOR MITIGATING NECK INJURY
    Publication number: 20120169031
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Williams, Patrick Dee Jamison, Akihiro Yamada
  • NECK INJURY MITIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20120169033
    Abstract: Seat belt systems and inflatable airbags can be used to mitigate the potential for injury to an occupant's neck. The seat belt systems provide for moderating 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. Airbags are also provided with a sloped impact face. Additionally, airbags are also provided with a relatively flat top portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Edward Heasman, Bin Wang, Patrick Dee Jamison, Jeffrey D. Williams