Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, systems and related methods for occupant protection in an aircraft during an abrupt stop - such as in a forward-facing crash event. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a two point lap belt that provide superior passenger comfort and retractability, due to inventive construction, by providing enhanced flexibility of the two point lap belt, and more specifically, the extensible (non-static) portion. The present invention first includes a new airbag material which contributes to the enhanced flexibility, namely, a polyester textile structure treated with a phosphate-phosphonate compound. In further embodiments the material is the coated in a polyurethane mixture. The present invention also includes a new method of compacting the airbag such that it may be disposed in a lap belt while remaining substantially unobtrusive and comfortable to a passenger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, systems and related methods for side-facing occupant protection in an aircraft during an abrupt stop—such as in a forward-facing crash event. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a three point air belt that provide superior passenger comfort and retractability, due to inventive construction, by providing enhanced flexibility of the three-point air belt, and more specifically, the shoulder harness portion. The present invention first includes a new airbag material which contributes to the enhanced flexibility, namely, a polyester textile structure treated with a phosphate-phosphonate compound. In further embodiments the material is the coated in a polyurethane mixture. The present invention also includes a new method of compacting the airbag such that it may be disposed in a shoulder harness while remaining substantially unobtrusive and comfortable to a passenger.

Abstract: A lower leg restraint for a side-facing passenger seat including a restraint panel configured to deploy from a first position proximate a seat to a second position forward of the seat in response to an abrupt deceleration event, an actuator arranged to push the panel from the first position to the second position, and a sensor and trigger assembly configured to signal the actuator to fire in response to the abrupt deceleration event. A side-facing aircraft passenger seat having a deployable lower leg restraint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, system and related method for diagnosing initiators in air bag systems. An embodiment of the system comprises a diagnostic circuit electrically connected between acceleration switches and one or more squib, that is user-activated via a momentary switch, and with user-feedback, wherein a user can diagnose the health of the one or more squib with no power drain while inactive. An embodiment of a method related to the system comprises activating a momentary switch, completing a circuit whereby a diagnostic circuit may function, indicating to the user that the diagnostic circuit is functioning, regulating the current into the diagnostic circuit so that the squib does not fire, boosting the signal to a window comparator, detecting the desired voltage by the window comparator, giving feedback to the user that the voltage is good, too high, or too low.