Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat belt webbing connected to a latch plate, wherein the latch plate is configured to be releasably connected to a buckle assembly in order to secure the webbing in a position capable of restraining the occupant. The buckle assembly includes a release button, a blocking component, a solenoid coupled to a connecting member positioned to engage the blocking component, and a solenoid actuator electrically connected to the solenoid. The blocking component is configured to engage the latch plate in order to connect the latch plate to the buckle assembly, and is configured to disengage from the latch plate in order to facilitate the release of the latch plate when the release button is depressed. When the solenoid actuator actuates the solenoid, the connecting member is configured to move to thereby change the position of the blocking component in order disengage the blocking component from the latch plate.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: An airbag assembly for use within a vehicle. The airbag assembly includes an airbag, an inflator configured to provide a gas to inflate the airbag and a housing with an inflator receiving portion and an upper mounting portion. The inflator receiving portion includes a cavity in which the inflator and the airbag are stored. The upper mounting portion is configured to mount a first side of the airbag housing to a cover. The inflator receiving portion and the upper mounting portion are integrated together in a single, unitary piece.

Abstract: A novel compound, tris (5-amino tetrazolo) triazine is used for example, as a gas generating fuel. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound may be contained within a gas generant composition 12, within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: An airbag system including an airbag having a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The airbag further includes an inlet coupled to an inflatable portion. The first section is configured to inflate between a trim member and a vehicle frame; and the second section is configured to inflate into a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: An occupant monitoring and restraint status system is provided. The system includes an occupant boarding and de-boarding system. The occupant boarding and de-boarding system detects boarding and de-boarding of occupants. The system also includes a bench type seat that has a plurality of seat locations. Each of these seat locations includes a seat belt system which has a status sensor to detect a state of the seat belt system. Each seat location also includes an occupant sensing system. The occupant sensing system detects the presence and identity of an occupant at the seat location. The system further includes a display which includes a seat status indicator for each of the plurality of seat locations. The seat status indicators include information regarding a presence of an occupant, an occupant identity, and a state of a seat belt system.

Abstract: A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of wherein: R4 is a triazine ring; R1 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R2 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R3 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles.

Abstract: A plurality of antenna elements on a dielectric substrate are adapted to launch or receive electromagnetic waves in or from a direction substantially away from either a convex or concave edge of the dielectric substrate, wherein at least two of the antenna elements operate in different directions. Slotlines of tapered-slot endfire antennas in a first conductive layer of a first side of the dielectric substrate are coupled to microstrip lines of a second conductive layer on the second side of the dielectric substrate. A bi-conical reflector, conformal cylindrical dielectric lens, or discrete lens array improves the H-plane radiation pattern. Dipole or Yagi-Uda antenna elements on the conductive layer of the dielectric substrate can be used in cooperation with associated reflective elements, either alone or in combination with a corner-reflector of conductive plates attached to the conductive layers proximate to the endfire antenna elements.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle comprises an inflatable chamber formed by at least one fabric panel and configured to be filled with an inflation gas and deploy into position to protect the occupant; and a tether connected to the panel to restrain deployment of the airbag. During the initial deployment sequence of the airbag, the tether fully extends to a first length. The tether unfolds in order to fully extend to a second length when a sufficient force is applied to the tether by the deploying airbag.

Abstract: An object sensing system includes a radar system including at least one aperture through which a radar signal is transmitted and at least one aperture through which reflected radar signals are received. The sensing system also includes a stereo vision system including a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are separated by an offset. The stereo vision system is mounted to the radar system to form a single assembly. The radar system is positioned in the offset between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt assembly comprises a vehicle seat configured to contain a seat occupant; a seat belt webbing mountable to the vehicle seat and connected to a latch plate, wherein the latch plate is configured to be releasably connected to a seat belt buckle in order to secure the webbing in a position capable of restraining the occupant; and a buckle strap mountable to a portion of the vehicle seat or vehicle structure and connected to the buckle, wherein the buckle strap includes a plurality of brackets configured to attach to a buckle component. Additionally, a vehicle seat belt assembly could comprise a buckle strap and buckle frame manufactured as a single component.

Abstract: A buckle assembly configured to mate with a plurality of tongues may include a rotational lever; a latch plate supported by the rotational lever and configured to move in a vertical direction when the lever rotates; a plurality of latch pins, wherein each latch pin is configured to engage the latch plate at one end of the pin and one of the plurality of tongues at the other end of the pin in order to mate the tongue with the buckle assembly; and a rotational solenoid. A core of the rotational solenoid may be connected to the rotational lever, so that rotation of the core causes the lever to rotate and the latch plate to move in a vertical direction. Each of the latch pins is configured to disengage from the corresponding tongue when the lever rotates.

Abstract: A gas generating composition of the present invention contains at least one fuel selected from carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, and polymers; at least one perchlorate salt; and/or at least one metal oxide or metal hydroxide. A gas generating system 200 containing a gas generant in accordance with the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle includes a first storage compartment for use by an occupant of the vehicle and a second storage compartment for storing a first folded airbag prior to deployment. A single integrated cover overlies the storage compartments. The cover is configured to be integrated and installed into an instrument panel of the vehicle when the airbag module is installed in the vehicle. The cover includes a manually operable first door covering a first opening to the first storage compartment, and wherein, in an open position, the first door permits access to the first storage compartment. The cover includes a second door configured to open when the first airbag thereby creating a second opening in the cover to permit the first airbag to deploy into the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing having an adapter formed integral with the housing to enable operative coupling of the gas generating system to an associated gas-actuatable device. The adapter may include openings formed therein to enable distribution of gases to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus for protecting a front seat passenger of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airbag module configured to be mounted in a instrument panel of a vehicle in front of the front seat passenger. The module includes an airbag and a gas generator. The airbag includes left and right inflatable lobes separated by a central gap. Each of the inflatable lobes is bounded by an outer panel forming an outer surface of the lobe and an inner panel forming an inner surface of the lobe.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting the knees of an occupant located in an occupant compartment of a vehicle, the airbag module configured to be mounted behind an instrument panel of the vehicle and including a housing; and an airbag configured to be filled with an inflation gas. The housing may surround the airbag. The housing may include two connected portions. The housing may also be configured so that when the airbag is inflated and deploys the two portions of the housing disconnect and the first housing portion bends downward into a position where the first portion forms a ramp to guide the airbag from a stored position into the occupant compartment. The airbag module may also include a mounting mechanism configured to mount the housing to the instrument panel.

Abstract: Seat belt retractors for spooling seat belts (webbings) include multiple independent torque transmission or absorbing systems. The seatbelt retractor comprises a webbing, a spool, a pinion, a pretensioner, at least one coupler pawl, and a locking mechanism including a lock base and a lock pawl. The at least one coupler pawl is positioned in a cavity in the spool. During a predetermined low acceleration event, the at least one coupler pawl pivots so that a portion of the at least one coupler pawl leaves the cavity and engages the lock base to load the lock base which is then prevented from rotating in a spool extracting direction by the locking pawl. When the pretensioner activates during a predetermined higher acceleration event, the pretensioner rotates the pinion in the webbing retraction direction to rotate the spool in the webbing retraction direction.