Patents Assigned to Autoliv ASP, Inc.
  • Inflator for an airbag
    Patent number: 7883108
    Abstract: An inflator for an airbag is provided. The inflator can include a housing that has a first end and a second end. The inflator can also include a gas generant disposed in the housing that defines a bore. The inflator can include an igniter coupled to the first end of the housing that can ignite the gas generant upon receipt of a signal. The inflator can further include a temporary closure coupled to the second end of the housing that can be opened to provide an exit out of the housing. The ignition of the igniter can generate a shockwave that passes through the bore to open the temporary closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce Robinette, Ken Clark
  • COMBUSTION INHIBITOR COATING FOR GAS GENERANTS
    Publication number: 20110025030
    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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. MENDENHALL, Gary K. Lund, Brett Hussey
  • Retractor with pretensioner for auxiliary load limitation
    Patent number: 7878439
    Abstract: An assembly having a retractor and a pretensioner whereby the pretensioner can be employed to provide load limitation features. The pretensioner may also be used without the load limitation features. The pretensioner has a drive mechanism including a plurality of pretensioner balls sized to engage a pinion, the pinion operatively connected to the seat belt through a force limiting element. The pretensioner defines a guide surface structured to guide the pretensioner balls along a ball path along the pinion. The guide surface includes features to engage a pretensioner ball and block the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Burrow, Chad E. Moore
  • Seatbelt anchor assembly
    Patent number: 7878547
    Abstract: A seatbelt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seatbelt restraint system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms an engagement for the seatbelt and has an extending plate end. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener attachment. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross-section which engages with the anchor and interlocks with it. In one embodiment, a retaining clip is provided enabling the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to enable final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent to make it apparent that the components are improperly assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Dusina, Heidi L. Penrod, Ronald F. Rucins
  • INFLATABLE AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES WITH MODULAR COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE
    Publication number: 20110018245
    Abstract: Inflatable airbag cushions often have modular components attached to them after the main airbag has been manufactured. Such modular components can include external tethers, mounting tabs, mounting assemblies, inflatable curtain ramps, and fill tubes. Often, these modular components are positioned at predetermined locations on the airbag. The modular component can be coupled to the airbag by employing one or more adhesives. Also, the modular component can be coupled to the airbag by stitching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Hatfield, Kevin Button, James Coleman
  • INFLATABLE KNEE AIRBAG HAVING TWO CHAMBERS SEPARATED BY AN INTERNAL TETHER
    Publication number: 20110012327
    Abstract: Inflatable airbag cushions can be formed with one or more inflatable chambers, each having different inflated widths and volumes. For example, an inflatable knee airbag can have a first chamber that is adjacent to the periphery of the airbag and a second chamber that is nested within the first chamber. The two chambers can be fluidly coupled and the second chamber may have a vent formed in it that can release inflation gas out of the airbag. The airbag may have more than one nested chamber. The nested chambers can be defined by one or more internal tethers that can be formed from one or more pieces of material. The airbag can be configured such that it and any internal tethers are produced from a single panel of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Mark L. Enders
  • Separation fastener with segmented washer
    Patent number: 7862282
    Abstract: A separation fastener assembly including a base and a housing positioned adjacent the base. A nut is disposed in the cavity. A bolt extends through an aperture in the base and including an end coupled to the nut. A washer is positioned proximate the nut and operative to retain the nut within the housing. The washer includes a plurality of segments. An actuator is carried by the housing and is in communication with the cavity. The actuator is operative to displace the housing relative to the washer from a first position radially retaining plurality of segments of the washer and retaining the nut in the cavity to a second position permitting radial expansion of the plurality of segments and permitting withdrawal of the nut from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Michael P. Jordan
  • ENHANCED ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20100332074
    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: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, JR., Stephen Bogdan, William M. Leach, Jeffrey T. Kida, Richard Rakes, JR.
  • AIRBAG MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES WITH DOUBLE-LOCKING WRAPPERS
    Publication number: 20100327564
    Abstract: Mounting assemblies can be used to retain an inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration and attach the inflatable curtain airbag to a vehicle structure. The mounting assemblies can have a mounting structure and a wrapper that are both coupled to inflatable curtain airbag. The mounting structure is attached to a vehicle structure and the wrapper wraps and retains the inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration. During airbag deployment, the wrapper releases the airbag so that the airbag can adopt a deployed configuration, wherein the mounting structure continues to anchor the inflatable curtain airbag to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Blake Cheal
  • COPPER COMPLEXES WITH OXALYLDIHYDRAZIDE MOIETIES
    Publication number: 20100319823
    Abstract: Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include copper-oxalyldihydrazide-based complexes, such as pyrotechnic compositions, gas generants, and ignition materials, which are useful, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. Synthesis of one or more copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes with nitrate and/or hydroxide counter ions provides a composition that may auto-ignite at a low enough temperature to be based with thermally sensitive gas generants. The present copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes may also be used in conjunction with various oxidizers to produce compositions with sufficient energy to auto-ignite practically any known pyrotechnic composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. TAYLOR, Gregg HESS
  • PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AIRBAG INFLATORS AND INITIATORS
    Publication number: 20100313783
    Abstract: An inflator assembly may include an inflator housing and an initiator attached to the inflator housing. A varistor may be associated with the initiator and may be spaced apart from a surface of the inflator housing to define a first spark gap between the varistor and the surface of the inflator housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: David Dean HANSEN
  • Pyrotechnic cup
    Patent number: 7845278
    Abstract: The pyrotechnic cup is designed such that it may be used as part of an airbag initiator. In some embodiments, the cup comprises a cylindrical portion and a dome that is attached to a first end of the cylindrical portion. A cruciform is also added to the cup. The cruciform is positioned at the apex of the dome. In some embodiments, the cruciform comprises one or more petals. Other embodiments may be designed in which deployment of the initiator causes gas to be directed out of the pyrotechnic cup via the apex of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, Jr., Mike Ayers
  • Airbag cushion folding methods
    Patent number: 7845682
    Abstract: Methods are provided for folding an airbag cushion into a housing. In one implementation of the inventive method, an airbag cushion defined by an upper panel and a lower panel is provided. A first portion of the airbag cushion is tucked into a second portion of the airbag cushion such that the upper and lower panels of the first portion are positioned in between the upper and lower panels of the second portion. The tucked portion is folded in towards the housing. First and second halves of the tucked airbag cushion are folded in towards the housing. Finally, the folded first and second halves of the airbag cushion are folded into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lachat, Anna Libby, Howard Lusk, Jesse Benny, Joseph Bator, Larry Rose, Marc P. Russell, Jeffrey D Williams, Ralph Tree
  • Header assembly
    Patent number: 7845277
    Abstract: A header assembly for an initiator may include a first conductive pin, a second conductive pin, and a connector extending between and electrically connected to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin. A housing may support the first conductive pin, the second conductive pin, and the connector and may include at least one flange extending away from the housing and above the pins. The at least one flange may include at least one opening to facilitate attachment of the connector to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, Jr., Michael Perry Jordan, David Oral Ballam, Glade Alan Merrell, Jeffery Greg Baugh
  • Airbag mounting assembly and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 7823914
    Abstract: An airbag assembly, airbag mounting assembly, and method of assembling an airbag mounting assembly are disclosed. The airbag assembly comprises an airbag and an airbag mounting assembly. In one embodiment, the airbag mounting assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a connecting member, and a wrapping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Cheal, Howard Jackman
  • Filter for airbag inflator using variable expanded metal
    Patent number: 7823919
    Abstract: An airbag inflator that includes a pyrotechnic material capable of producing a quantity of gas during deployment. The inflator also includes a filter. The filter may be an expanded metal filter that is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material. When this filter is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material, the filter forms a plurality of layers having holes that are a different size. This filter also includes a first set of barriers and a second set of barriers that are positioned exterior of the first set of barriers, the second set of barriers being offset from the first set of barriers. Gas passing through the filter will encounter the first set of barriers, be re-directed, encounter the second set of barriers, be re-directed, and then flow out of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Jackson, Robert E. Lewis, Kevin Smith, Gary Smith, Gregory J. Lang
  • Seatbelt pretensioner for a vehicle
    Patent number: 7823924
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a seatbelt pretensioner is provided. The pretensioner comprises a cylinder having a proximal section which defines a gas chamber that forms at least a portion of an interior space defined by the cylinder. Extending distally from the proximal section is a guide section. Disposed within the interior space is a piston that is moveable toward a distal end of the guide section. The piston has a proximal portion and a distal portion that extends from the proximal portion. The proximal and distal portions are disposed respectively adjacent to the proximal and guide sections. The distal portion is configured for attaching to an anchor that is coupled to webbing of the seatbelt. In fluid communication with the gas chamber is a gas generator. The gas generator is configured for generating gas to move the piston, tensioning the seatbelt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dewey, Jeff A. Russell
  • Curtain air bag unit
    Patent number: 7823913
    Abstract: Curtain air bag unit for a motor vehicle is provided which comprises an air bag extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. Further it comprises fixing means for fixing the air bag in the area of the roof bar of the motor vehicle, whereby the fixing means comprise a tension member, that extends from a first fixing element to a second fixing element. It also comprises tensioning means for influencing the tensile stress of the tension member during mounting of the curtain air bag unit into the motor vehicle. A pre-cut tension member can be used whose length is chosen in a way that the mounting in the vehicle can be carried out simply and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Massot, Thomas Siewiera, David L. Dominissini
  • High strength airbag attachment for use with flanged inflators
    Patent number: 7823909
    Abstract: An airbag module includes an inflator and an airbag housed within a housing. The airbag has a cushion inflator hub portion that includes one or more tab extensions and an opening. The tab extensions define at least a portion of the periphery of the opening. A retainer ring is also added to the airbag module. The retainer ring has an aperture through which the inflator may be passed. The retainer ring includes one or more relief cuts positioned to receive the tab extensions. Specifically, the tab extensions are bent to pass through the relief cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Daniel Williams, Larry Rose
  • Tether systems for inflatable cushions
    Patent number: 7823922
    Abstract: An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a tether system for use in a vehicle. The airbag and the tether are configured such that upon airbag deployment the tether applies sufficient tension to the cushion to mitigate occupant ejection from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Abe Mitchell, Jim Huss, Bryan LaVon Walston