Patents Assigned to Autoliv ASP, Inc.
  • Locking mechanism for a cinch tube of an airbag cushion
    Patent number: 7568729
    Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a tube that may be restricted to prevent gas venting. A cord having a plurality of stoppers is coupled to the tube. Upon airbag deployment, the cord extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the cord incrementally tightens the tube and restricts gas venting. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the cord remains lax and the tube is able to vent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schnieder, Jill Brunner, Jesse Benny
  • SLIDE-ON INFLATOR HOUSING
    Publication number: 20090189375
    Abstract: An inflator assembly is disclosed for use in an automobile. The inflator assembly features a slide-on housing around an inflator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Frank Lunt, Louis Mueller
  • Extended inflatable coverage of inflatable curtains
    Patent number: 7556286
    Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag module is disclosed. The airbag module may include an inflatable curtain that has several inflatable chambers, at least one of which provides impact protection below an A-pillar of a vehicle. The chamber below the A-pillar may be bottom-filled, while the other chambers are top-filled. The airbag module may also include a sail panel attached to the inflatable curtain at an angle with respect to a direction of compaction of the inflatable curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Powals
  • Airbag cushion with a laced vent to optionally vent gas for out-of-position conditions
    Patent number: 7556290
    Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one laced vent for re-directing gas out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Williams, Larry D. Rose
  • Airbag module attachment
    Patent number: 7552519
    Abstract: An airbag assembly and attachment mechanism is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the airbag assembly may include a snap attachment or catch mechanism to couple the airbag module to an instrument panel without the aid of fasteners. The catch mechanism may utilize a spring wire clip that is engaged by brackets extending from both the instrument panel and the airbag module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Enders
  • GAS GENERATION DEVICE WITH CONSUMABLE IGNITOR TUBE
    Publication number: 20090152851
    Abstract: A gas generation device includes an elongated housing and an ignitor tube. The elongated housing defines a generant bed. The ignitor tube is disposed within the housing and extends at least substantially along the entire length of the generant bed. The ignitor tube defines an unobstructed path for ignitor gases to travel into the generant bed. The ignitor tube is constructed of a consumable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Marcus T. CLARK, Nyle K. LONGHURST, Steve OLSEN, Patti QUINNEY
  • AIRBAG LATERAL FLAP
    Publication number: 20090152842
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: JESSE BENNY, Michael Lachat, Anna Libby, Bobby Lusk
  • Inflatable curtain with multi-layered tab
    Patent number: 7547038
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an inflatable curtain airbag having one or more multi-layered tabs to facilitate mounting of the curtain to a vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the tabs comprise at least two layers attached to one another along at least one side of the two layers such that an axial opening is created between the layers. A rigid insert, such as a bracket, may be inserted into the axial opening so as to facilitate mounting the tab inside a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: James Coleman
  • Radiofrequency double pole single throw switch
    Patent number: 7547993
    Abstract: A double pole single throw (DPST) switch circuit including a first circuit portion corresponding to a first input port, a second circuit portion corresponding to a second input port, and an output port, wherein each of the first and second circuit portions include at least one first transistor providing a portion of an isolation channel, at least one second transistor providing a portion of a transmit channel, and at least one third transistor for providing a control bias for selecting either the transmit channel or the isolation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ian Gresham
  • Flexible housing for an airbag module
    Patent number: 7543844
    Abstract: A housing for an airbag module that contains an inflatable airbag cushion in a compacted configuration before being inflated by inflation gas supplied by an inflator device. The housing includes a collar formed of a rigid material for attaching the housing to a vehicle and a chute assembly formed of a flexible material and secured to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Jeffrey Daniel Williams
  • Hybrid inflator with extended filling capability
    Patent number: 7533900
    Abstract: A “hybrid” inflator having an extended filling capacity is disclosed. This inflator is designed to deploy an inflatable curtain airbag. The inflator will have an inner chamber that is connected to an outer chamber by a bleed hole. The inner chamber has a first supply of gas and a pyrotechnic material. This first supply of gas is sufficient to inflate an inflatable curtain after ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The outer chamber has a second supply of gas. The second supply of gas bleeds out of the outer chamber through the inner chamber and into the inflatable curtain. The inflatable curtain may be initially filled by the first supply of gas in the inner chamber while the second supply of gas slowly bleeds out of the inflator into the curtain to maintain the curtain at a desired pressure sufficient to provide impact protection to the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David J. Green
  • Flexible housing for an airbag module
    Patent number: 7530599
    Abstract: A housing for an airbag module that contains an inflatable airbag cushion in a compacted configuration before being inflated by inflation gas supplied by an inflator device. The housing includes a collar for attaching the housing to a vehicle and a chute assembly formed of a flexible material and secured to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Williams, Larry D. Rose
  • Airbag inflation with sliding baffle
    Patent number: 7527291
    Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator is described. The airbag inflator includes a chamber that houses a quantity of inflation gas. The inflation gas is capable of filling and deploying an airbag. The inflator also includes a membrane that seals the chamber. A sliding baffle is also added to the inflator. The sliding baffle is positioned proximate the membrane. The sliding baffle has a membrane rupture mechanism and a plurality of gas flow holes. Upon initiation of the inflator, the sliding baffle slides to cause the rupture mechanism to fail the membrane. The rupture mechanism fails the membrane by detaching a single piece from the membrane. The single piece is sufficiently large such that it remains within the inflator (or within the sliding baffle) and does not pass through one of the gas flow holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Kenneth J. Clark, Scott Jackson
  • AIRBAG CUSHION FOLDING METHODS
    Publication number: 20090108574
    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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lachat, Anna Libby, Howard Lusk, Jesse Benny, Joseph Bator, Larry Rose, Marc Russell, JD Williams, Ralph Tree
  • Adaptive airbag gas flow apparatus
    Publication number: 20090108573
    Abstract: An airbag gas flow apparatus for a steering wheel includes a housing and a rotatable gas guide positioned within the housing. The housing includes a base and a diffuser, the diffuser comprising at least one opening. The rotatable gas guide includes at least one open portion and a closed portion. A weight is added to the gas guide and is positioned diametrically opposite the closed portion. The weight remains substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion is positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position regardless of the rotational position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is rotated, the gas guide rotates relative to the housing and readjusts within the apparatus such that the weight remains positioned substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion remains positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • AIRBAG CUSHION FOLDING METHODS
    Publication number: 20090102173
    Abstract: The methods for folding an airbag cushion into a housing provide for a predetermined deployment trajectory. The airbag cushion is defined by an upper panel and a lower panel. 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Marc P. Russell, Jeffrey D. Williams, Ralph Tree
  • Inflator device pressure relief
    Patent number: 7520531
    Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber containing a stored gas. The housing includes a first outlet orifice and a second outlet orifice. A first rupturable seal is disposed over the first outlet orifice and a second rupturable seal is disposed over the second outlet orifice. The second outlet orifice is a pressure release orifice for releasing the pressurized gas upon unanticipated elevated temperatures, such as during bonfire conditions. A plug is disposed in the second outlet orifice. The plug includes a low melting temperature material adjacent the second rupturable seal. The low melting temperature material melts at or below an auto-ignition temperature of the inflator device to allow the second rupturable seal to rupture to vent the pressurized stored gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Gammill
  • AIRBAG MODULE ASSEMBLY TO CONTROL GAP ADJACENT AIRBAG COVER
    Publication number: 20090085334
    Abstract: An airbag module assembly is provided which may be used with a steering wheel unit that controls the gap between a driver airbag cover and adjacent steering wheel features. The airbag module assembly includes an airbag housing for enclosing an airbag in communication with an inflator. The airbag module assembly also includes an airbag cover that is coupled to a cover suspension module, which in turn is coupled to the steering wheel unit. The cover suspension module includes a biasing element disposed within a housing and a locating feature extending from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Matsu, David Palm, Vern Phillips
  • Airbag tether cutter and vent closer
    Patent number: 7510212
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for cutting one or more tethers connected with an airbag cushion and simultaneously, or sequentially, closing one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, an airbag module is provided that includes a tether opening and at least one vent opening. The tether may extend through the tether opening adjacent to a cutter. The cutter may be configured to cut the tether upon deployment of an actuator. A vent door configured to block the vent opening(s) upon deployment of the actuator may also be provided. This embodiment may therefore provided for simultaneous, or sequential, cutting of the tether and closing of the vent opening(s) with a single actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Green, Brent Parks, Bradley W. Smith
  • Snap-locking initiator assemblies for inflator devices
    Patent number: 7510211
    Abstract: An initiator assembly for an inflator device. The initiator assembly includes an initiator. The initiator has an initiator cup at least in part defining a storage chamber containing at least one reactive charge and has at least one electrical connector in reaction initiating communication with the at least one reactive charge. The initiator assembly also includes an initiator retainer element connected to the initiator and a connector socket. The initiator retainer element is adapted to be disposed on a first side of a wall of the inflator device and the connector socket is adapted to be disposed on a second side of the wall opposite the first side. The initiator assembly is adapted to snap-lock to the inflator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus Clark