Abstract: A retractor assembly for a seatbelt system having a webbing for restraining a secured occupant, the retractor comprising a spool configured to wind and unwind the webbing about an axis of rotation, the spool includes a side with an opening therein; a collar including an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface configured to engage the opening; a locking base configured to operatively engage the inner surface; and an energy absorbing member configured to provide a progressive level of load resistance upon relative rotation between the spool and the locking base.

Abstract: A structured light pattern is projected onto the path of a vehicle so as to generate a plurality of light spots, and an image thereof is captured from the vehicle. A world-space elevation of at least a portion of the light spots is responsive to a pitch angle of the vehicle determined responsive to image-space locations of down-range-separated light spots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.

Abstract: A retractor assembly comprising a spool configured to wind and unwind the webbing, a lock base, and an energy absorbing member having a first end operatively connected to the locking base and a second end operatively connected to the spool. The energy absorbing member provides a progressive level of load resistance upon relative rotation between the spool and the locking base.

Abstract: Various implementation of a light bar warning system for a steering wheel of a vehicle include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the light guide. The LCD and light guide having arcuate shaped surfaces that follow along a portion of the steering wheel rim. Light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light guide and out of its outer surface into an inner surface of the LCD that is disposed adjacent the light guide. The light is emitted through portions of the LCD that are activated for illumination by an LCD driver. The LCD may provide various types of warnings to the operator, including blind spot warnings, forward collision/proximity warnings, and lane departure warnings, for example.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. A diffuser is positioned in the airbag and configured to direct the flow of inflation gas into the airbag. The diffuser includes a main panel and a deflector panel connected together. The diffuser is configured to provide for first and second flow paths for inflation gas to exit diffuser and flow into the cushion. The main panel is folded along a fold line to create two folded portions and the deflector panel is located within the connected folded portions. The deflector panel is located in the first flow path and extends beyond the folded portions of the main panel. The extending portion of the deflector panel forces the inflation gas to change direction.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first housing and a second housing contained within the first housing and engaging the first housing in an interference fit.