Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a diffuser tethered to the membrane of the cushion. The airbag cushion partially expands when an obstruction is encountered and fully expands when no obstruction is encountered. The tethered diffuser is controlled by expansion of the cushion. This permits the cushion to vary the amount of gas vented from the cushion to adjust for out-of-position conditions and normal restraint conditions.

Abstract: An tear seam in a cover of an airbag includes multiple, non-intersecting slits defined in a fabric of the cover that may be woven with weft yarns oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis and warp yarns oriented generally transverse thereto. The multiple slits are diagonal with respect to the longitudinal axis and include end portions. The end portions of substantially all adjacent slits mutually overlap, to weaken the strength of the fabric along the tear seam.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods of folding an inflatable airbag cushion for storage within a vehicle. In one implementation of the inventive method, the folding of the airbag cushion creates a first arm and a second arm, the first arm folded on top of the second arm, such that during deployment of the airbag cushion with an obstruction, the first arm is configured to contact an obstruction before completely unfolding and thereby at least partially biasing the deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a hinge pin of a vehicle hood. The pyrotechnic actuator includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and further includes a first end defining an opening. The pyrotechnic actuator additionally includes a piston disposed in the housing for movement along the longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston carries the pin. The pin at least partially extends from the housing in the extended position. The piston includes a base portion defining a combustion chamber. The pyrotechnic actuator further includes a pyrotechnic charge disposed in the combustion chamber for producing a combustion gas operative to move the piston from the extended position to the retracted position. The combustion chamber is defined by a thin walled member that is sealed to contain the ballistic event.

Abstract: An ejection mitigation system for use in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one ejection mitigation panel which is not integral with an inflatable airbag and wherein the ejection mitigation panel is attached to at least one point below the belt line of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The night vision camera system includes a light, a night vision camera, and a linkage. The night vision camera is attached to the light such that the light and camera maintain a fixed orientation with respect to each other. The light is attached to the linkage and is configured to manipulate the light and night vision camera concurrently. The linkage is attached to the vehicle and extends into the vehicle interior where a handle is provided allowing the user to aim the light and night vision camera from the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for retaining a sensor assembly includes a mounting plate having a mounting area for the sensor assembly, a sensor assembly having a sensor assembly plate with a perimeter, and a retainer ring having at least one spring member. The at least one spring member of the retainer ring is configured to bias the sensor assembly substantially toward at least one datum, such that a portion of the perimeter of the sensor assembly plate is directly adjacent to the at least one datum.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent tube attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent tube remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent tube at least partially closes.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent tube attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent tube remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent tube at least partially closes.

Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.

Abstract: A radar apparatus and method for determining the range to and velocity of at least one object comprising, transmitting a plurality of RF signals, each comprising a particular frequency and being transmitted during a particular unique finite period, the plurality of signals collectively comprising at least one first subset of signals having the same frequency and at least one second subset of signals having different frequencies, receiving the plurality of signals after reflection from an object, determining a phase difference between each of the signals and the corresponding reflected signal, each piece of phase difference information herein termed a sample, organizing the samples in two-dimensions wherein, in a first dimension, all samples have the same frequency and, in a second dimension, all consecutive samples are separated from each other by a fixed time interval; processing the samples in the first dimension to determine a phase rotation frequency corresponding to the samples in the first dimension, th

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one closeable flap vent for re-directing gas out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered. The airbag cushion also includes a tether for controlling the closeable flap vent.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods have particular use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured via activation of an active material initiator and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relate to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains include a fuel mixture having at least one fuel and at least one oxidizer, which have a burn rate that is susceptible to pressure sensitivity during combustion. The gas generant composition further includes a plurality of pressure sensitivity modifying glass fiber particles distributed therein to lessen the pressure sensitivity and/or to increase combustion stability of the gas generant. Such gas generants can be formed via spray drying techniques.

Abstract: A new type of inflator that may be used to inflate an airbag is disclosed. The inflator will have a longitudinal axis, a first chamber, and a filter. The filter may be positioned outside of the first chamber. A first quantity of gas generant is positioned within the first chamber. A first strainer having a plurality of gas flow holes is also positioned within the first chamber. The first quantity of gas generant is located exterior of the strainer. Upon combustion of the first quantity of gas generant produces a first quantity of gas that flows towards the longitudinal axis while passing through the gas flow holes, enters the filter, and then flows away from the longitudinal axis while passing through the filter.

Abstract: An airbag device for use in a motor vehicle. The airbag device includes an inflatable curtain and a cinch ring for tightening a tether during the inflation of the inflatable curtain.

Abstract: An airbag assembly including a tension mounting mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a one-way locking mechanism via an attaching element to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.

Abstract: A lockout system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system can include a source of input that identifies a status of a driver of the motor vehicle. The system can further include a source of passenger input that indicates if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle. The system can also include a lockout control module operable to disable the operation of the motor vehicle if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle, based on the status of the driver.

Abstract: An inflator includes a housing and a gas generant disposed in the housing for creating a source of inflation gas. An initiator is disposed in the housing for producing a source of energy to ignite the gas generant. A distributor is disposed between the initiator and the gas generant. The distributor defines at least two distinct flow paths for distributing the source of energy to the gas generant.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a release device and a release device mounting bracket. The release device is in electronic communication with at least one sensor in a vehicle and is configured to release one or more active vent tethers or airbag restraining tethers.