Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag covers are disclosed. Each of the covers permits deployment of a compacted airbag cushion along multiple axes, thereby decreasing the momentum of the vehicle occupant relative to the airbag, and enhancing the ability of the cushion to protect vehicle occupants who are out of their nominal positions. Covers may include a plurality of frontal portions separated by a frontal seam or seams that tear open to permit emergence of the cushion between the frontal portions. In some implementations, each cover has a peripheral skirt and/or a junction between the frontal portions and peripheral skirt that opens to permit emergence of the folded cushion along additional axes. The peripheral skirt and/or junction may open consistently, regardless of whether the frontal portions have separated.

Abstract: An occupant classification system for recognizing the type of occupant of a motor vehicle seat especially for use in controlling an inflatable restraint system. The classification system utilizes a number of on-off electrical switches arranged in a pattern on a seat cushion mat. Signals from the switches may be processed in a variety of manners to characterize the occupant.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain positioning system may include an inflator and an inflatable curtain. The inflator may have a neck for receiving the inflatable curtain. A protrusion, such as a hook or tab, may be disposed on the neck. The inflatable curtain may include a throat to be disposed around the neck of the inflator. An opening may be disposed within the throat. In one configuration, the opening may be positioned to receive the protrusion only when the curtain is situated at a desired location relative to the housing.

Abstract: A dual-function tire inlet valve mountable on a tire in communication with a compressor in a tire pressure maintenance system is disclosed. The inlet valve has a conduit extending from an ambient air supply to an interior chamber of the tire. A first check valve and a second check valve are positioned within the conduit to define a pump between the first and second check valves. The pump channel is in fluid communication with a compressor in the tire pressure maintenance system. The first check valve opens automatically only when the compressor is active and the tire is rotating about its axis with at least a pre-determined velocity. The second check valve only opens when it is manually actuated. Manually actuating the first check valve opens the second check valve to permit manual adjustment of the tire pressure.

Abstract: An active bumper assembly for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The active bumper assembly includes a bumper that may be hingedly connected to a vehicle. When the bumper is in the inactivated position it is disposed behind the outer edge of the vehicle. When activated, the bumper is moved to an activated position, which is lower with respect to the inactivated position and extends below the outer edge of the vehicle. A sensing system detects an impending collision and generates a signal to which an actuator responds, moving the bumper from the inactivated position to the activated position. A locking member, configured to be interconnected between the bumper and the vehicle frame, then secures the bumper in the activated position.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products.

Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system. A method for folding an airbag curtain is described. A first edge of the airbag curtain is folded to a position adjacent a first side of the airbag curtain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for distributing inflation gases within an airbag cushion. Such a cushion may have one or more protection zones configured to inflate to protect vehicle occupants. An inflation channel maybe enclosed by one or more of the protection zones, and may be attached to a mounting surface within a protection zone. The inflation channel may be connected to an inflator, and may have a plurality of holes along its length, sized or spaced apart in a manner selected to provide a comparatively even flow rate of inflation gas to all parts of the cushion during inflation. Additionally, the inflation channel may have a gas outlet extension along which the holes are disposed; the gas outlet extension may have a tapered shape configured to collapse under external pressure to prevent backflow of inflation gases into the inflation channel.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses are provided employing an elongated enclosed housing which contains a non-gaseous, fluid form of gas generant material. The housing can desirably be sufficiently flexible to permit the inflator device to be desirably shaped such as to facilitate the specific placement and location thereof within the interior of a vehicle. Also, provided are associated methods of gas production.

Abstract: An airbag module capable of providing varying degrees of inflation to an airbag is disclosed. The airbag module has a housing with an interior and an exterior. A number of venting holes are located in the walls of the housing to allow gas to pass between the interior and exterior of the housing. These venting holes are sealed with a thin membrane to which an initiator is attached. The initiator is designed to create a hole in the membrane according to an input from sensors positioned within the automobile. Once the hole is created in the membrane, the gas pressure inside the housing forces the entire membrane to open and allows gas to flow out of the venting holes. The amount of gas emitted from the venting holes thus reduces the inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A Z-height control tab maintains the distance between an airbag cover and a reaction housing. The reaction housing and airbag cover interlock to define a Z-height. The Z-height is defined as the distance between the two interlocked members. The Z-height control tab extends from the reaction housing and engages a wall edge of a skirt extending from the airbag cover. This Z-height control tab engagement maintains the Z-height by preventing the airbag cover and the reaction housing from compressing together.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator may have a gas chamber with a first end with a first exit orifice and a second end with a second exit orifice. The exit orifices may be directed into inlet ports of an inflatable curtain so that inflation gases exit the inflator through the exit orifices and enter directly into the inflatable curtain. The exit orifices may provide axial gas flows in opposite directions so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures. If desired, pistons may be utilized to ensure that the exit orifices are completely and simultaneously opened. Furthermore, the gas chamber may comprise a variety of configurations, including a unitary, one-piece structure, a multi-part structure with vessels attached to a tubular or spherical bulkhead, or a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: A generator system powered by a fluid fly-wheel is disclosed that generates electric current to power a tire pressure maintenance and monitoring system. A vehicle wheel including a tire and a rim. A sealed tube containing fluid is fixed around the rim. When the rim accelerates or decelerates, the fluid within the tube moves within the tube a turbine in communication with the fluid is turned by the moving fluid within the tube. The turning turbine drives an electric generator to produce an electric current through induction. In certain configurations, the turning turbine rotates gears to drive a mechanical pump. The electric generator, or mechanical pump may be used to add air pressure to the tire when a sensor indicates low air pressure.

Abstract: Inflator device assemblies wherein an igniter composition used to ignite an associated gas generant material is provided on a selected surface, such as on a damper pad, within the inflator device. Suitable igniter compositions may include a silicone resin additive effective to adhere the igniter composition to a surface within the inflator device.

Abstract: A backup power supply for a restraint control module is disclosed that includes a main power source that is connected to a backup power source charging circuit. A boost converter control and driver circuit is connected with the main power source and the backup power source such that the boost converter control and driver circuit controls the charging of the backup power source with the main power source during normal operation. A backup power supply control and driver circuit is connected with a backup power supply switching device. The backup power supply control and driver circuit switches the source of power from the main power source to the backup power source when the backup power supply control circuit senses a loss of power from the main power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat belt apparatus having a webbing which traverses an occupant's body. The webbing includes two lap belts which are secured at their ends to a lap belt retractor. The lap retractor is secured below the seat and in a forward position relative to the seat. The lap belt retractor is configured to simultaneously retract the lap belts to thereby retain the position of the buckle assembly over the mid abdomen section of an occupant. The opposing ends of the lap belts are secured in a fixed manner to a lap belt anchor. The lap belt anchor is secured below the seat and in a rearward position relative to the seat. The lap belt anchor may further incorporate a pretensioner which pulls the lap belts rearward and downward. The lap belts slidably engage a buckle assembly along a mid section of the lap belts. The webbing further includes shoulder belts which are secured at their ends to shoulder belt retractors.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus wherein the molecular weight of the gas mixture therein contained is manipulated by varying the relative amounts of the various constituents thereof. Through such manipulation and tight control of gas mixture molecular weight, the performance of the inflator can be properly tuned such as to desirably control or influence the speed of deployment of an associated airbag cushion and minimize or reduce damage to an associated airbag cushion caused by excessive deployment speeds, as well as satisfy the relatively onerous inflation demands required for proper or desired operation of various close proximity airbag cushions or inflatable restraint devices.

Abstract: A weight measurement system for automatically calibrating weight sensors installed on a motor vehicle seat. The system performs a calibrate operation whenever a valid weight measurement window is found. A valid weight measurement window is defined by the seat being empty, an associated door being open and an associated seat buckle being unlatched. The system operates in a factory install mode to establish a reference zero set value and in a diagnostic mode to establish a temporary zero set value that reflects drift of the weight sensors. The temporary zero set value is used by a weight management program to control occupant restraint devices. The weight sensor has an integral body with two lands connected by an elastomeric beam. The elastomeric beam has a pair of opposed surfaces that define a region of minimum thickness and one or more regions of maximum thickness. A resistive strain gauge element is disposed on the region of minimum thickness.

Abstract: A method for increasing the burn rate of a gas generant formulation is provided involving the addition of a quantity of at least one transition metal complex of diammonium bitetrazole to the gas generant formulation.