Patents Assigned to Autoliv ASP
  • 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
  • Airbag module assembly to control gap adjacent airbag cover
    Patent number: 7823908
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Matsu, David Palm, Vern Phillips
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • INFLATABLE KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES WITH BAG STRAPS FOR WRAPPING THE AIRBAGS AND OPTIMIZING DEPLOYMENT
    Publication number: 20100270782
    Abstract: An airbag assembly with a reduced-cost knee airbag cushion and internal tethers can be formed from a single rectangular panel of material so that there is very little material waste. A pleat can be formed in a rear face so that the combination of tethers and pleat help the cushion deploy with favorable characteristics and adopt an arced shape when inflated. The cushion can have apertures for inserting an inflator with mounting stems partially within the cushion so that the mounting stems can be used to couple the cushion to an airbag housing. The assembly can also have a bag strap formed from a single piece of fabric that can wrap around a rolled and/or folded cushion. The assembly can also have a stabilizer strap that can be coupled to the cushion and to the airbag housing so that during deployment, the cushion does not skew or twist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Enders, Louis Mueller, Larry Lunt
  • KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES CONFIGURED FOR INFLATOR INSERTION AND INFLATOR-MEDIATED COUPLING TO AN AIRBAG HOUSING
    Publication number: 20100270775
    Abstract: An airbag assembly with a reduced-cost knee airbag cushion and internal tethers can be formed from a single rectangular panel of material so that there is very little material waste. A pleat can be formed in a rear face so that the combination of tethers and pleat help the cushion deploy with favorable characteristics and adopt an arced shape when inflated. The cushion can have apertures for inserting an inflator with mounting stems partially within the cushion so that the mounting stems can be used to couple the cushion to an airbag housing. The assembly can also have a bag strap formed from a single piece of fabric that can wrap around a rolled and/or folded cushion. The assembly can also have a stabilizer strap that can be coupled to the cushion and to the airbag housing so that during deployment, the cushion does not skew or twist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Enders, Louis Mueller, Larry Lunt
  • INFLATABLE KNEE AIRBAGS AND INTERNAL TETHERS PRODUCED FROM SINGLE PANELS OF MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20100270779
    Abstract: An airbag assembly with a reduced-cost knee airbag cushion and internal tethers can be formed from a single rectangular panel of material so that there is very little material waste. A pleat can be formed in a rear face so that the combination of tethers and pleat help the cushion deploy with favorable characteristics and adopt an arced shape when inflated. The cushion can have apertures for inserting an inflator with mounting stems partially within the cushion so that the mounting stems can be used to couple the cushion to an airbag housing. The assembly can also have a bag strap formed from a single piece of fabric that can wrap around a rolled and/or folded cushion. The assembly can also have a stabilizer strap that can be coupled to the cushion and to the airbag housing so that during deployment, the cushion does not skew or twist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Enders, Louis Mueller, Larry Lunt
  • INFLATABLE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WITH EXPANDED-VOLUME LOWER PORTIONS FOR EJECTION MITIGATION
    Publication number: 20100264630
    Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag can be used to cushion an occupant during a vehicle collision as well as retaining the occupant within the vehicle during a rollover event. Curtain airbags that do not extend to the vehicle's waist line may allow the occupant to fit between the bottom of the curtain airbag and the waistline, and thereby be ejected from the vehicle. This risk is increased with vehicles that do not have vertical pillars between the doors and windows of the vehicle. Increasing an inflation gas volume capacity of a lower portion of the airbag, may mitigate the risk of occupant ejection, if the increased volume portion of the curtain overlaps the vehicle pillars. The lower portion of the curtain airbag may have a first chamber and a separate second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan LaVon Walston
  • Sensing misalignment detection and estimation system
    Patent number: 7813851
    Abstract: A misalignment detection sensor assembly is provided, which includes a forward-looking sensor having a sensing direction along a first axis and an inertia sensor configured to sense acceleration along a second axis, the second axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the first axis. A misalignment detection system uses the misalignment detection sensor assembly and a signal processing system to calculate a misalignment angle between the first axis and the direction of forward motion of the sensor assembly. A method of detecting angular misalignment of a forward-looking sensor assembly is also disclosed, which includes measuring acceleration along an axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the sensing axis of the forward-looking sensor assembly and comparing the acceleration measurement with a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard DeMersseman, Kangwon Lee
  • INFLATABLE AIRBAG CUSHION ASSEMBLIES WITH MODIFIED THROAT PORTIONS
    Publication number: 20100253055
    Abstract: During the manufacture of an inflatable airbag cushion, an inflator may be inserted into, and coupled to, a throat portion of the inflatable airbag cushion. This process may be achieved more quickly and with higher reproducibility of the placement of the inflator within the throat portion by forming an assembly aid in the throat portion of the cushion. The assembly aid functions to assist in the separation of the two panels of material from which the throat portion is manufactured. The separation can be achieved by forming one or more pleats, tabs, or loops in the throat portion near an inflator insert aperture. A throat liner may optionally be used within an airbag throat portion, in which case the assembly aid may also be formed in the throat liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, Timothy A. DePottey
  • Adaptive airbag gas flow apparatus
    Patent number: 7806434
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
  • Ejection mitigation device
    Patent number: 7806432
    Abstract: An airbag system for protecting a passenger in a motor vehicle including an ejection mitigation device configured to substantially cover an inside surface of the motor vehicle such as the rear window or the front windshield. The ejection mitigation device may be attached to one or more deployment guides which can then be attached to a driver or passenger side inflatable airbag. The deployment guides may be configured to guide the deployment of the ejection mitigation device during inflation of the driver and passenger side inflatable airbags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Nelson, Josh Allred
  • Retractor pretensioner with clutch
    Patent number: 7806357
    Abstract: A retractor includes a pretensioner whereby load limitation disturbances are minimized or eliminated to provide a synchronized and smooth transition between the different structures resisting the rotation of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc
    Inventor: Gunter K. Clute
  • Active anti-bunching D-ring seat belt system
    Patent number: 7806439
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat belt system having an active system for avoiding bunching of webbing in a D-ring during a rapid deceleration event. The system includes a controlled locking mechanism engageable with a rotatably mounted D-ring to restrict backward rotation of the D-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Günter K. Clute
  • Dual spool retractor in belt-in-seat
    Patent number: 7806440
    Abstract: A restraint assembly of a type including a seat belt assembly and a side impact air bag assembly. The seat belt assembly and side impact assembly are preferably mounted to a motor vehicle seat. The seat belt assembly includes one or two retractors, preferably each having roto pretensioners. A single gas source is used to actuate retractor pretensioning functions, as well as providing a gas source for initiating the production of inflation gas for the side impact air bag assembly. Preferably, these elements are all mounted to a motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter K. Clute
  • MONOLITHIC GAS GENERANT GRAINS
    Publication number: 20100230945
    Abstract: A gas generant for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system for a vehicle) is a monolithic compressed solid that has a linear burn rate of greater than or equal to about 1.6 inches per second at a pressure of about 3,000 pounds per square inch. The gas generant can be in the form of an annular disk having a plurality of apertures. The gas generant may be substantially free of binder and may have a low initial surface area which progressively increases during burning. The gas generant provides a gas generation profile that improves restraint of vehicle occupants, including those occupants that are out-of-position. Additionally, the shaped gas generant decreases occupant exposure to toxic effluent combustion products and solid respirable particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Hussey, Ivan Mendenhall, Roger Bradford
  • DUAL CHAMBER AIRBAG CUSHIONS WITH A SAFETY VENT IN THE FRONT CHAMBER
    Publication number: 20100225095
    Abstract: An airbag cushion has two chambers to permit the front chamber to inflate less rapidly than the back chamber for cushioning the head of an occupant in a vehicle with less force than the chest of an occupant is cushioned by the back chamber. The front chamber has at least one safety vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Brad Smith, Jeffrey D. Williams, Larry Rose, Greg Waters, Mark Enders, John Newkirk, Patrick Jamison, Kent Potter, Shankar Balaskandan, Changsoo Choi, Ralph Tree
  • DUAL CHAMBER AIRBAG CUSHION
    Publication number: 20100225094
    Abstract: An airbag cushion has two chambers to permit the front chamber to inflate less rapidly than the back chamber for cushioning the head of an occupant in a vehicle with less force than the chest of an occupant is cushioned by the back chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Rose, Jeffrey D. Williams, Brad Smith, Greg Waters, Mark Enders, John Newkirk, Patrick Jamison, Kent Potter, Balaskandan Shankar, Changsoo Choi, Ralph Tree