Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a human machine interface (HMI) device located in a vehicle configured to carry a passenger and a driver. The system includes an electrode positioned in a vehicle seat and a signal generating device configured to provide a signal to the electrode. The electrode transmit the signal through the occupant of the seat and the HMI device detects the signal when the occupant contacts the HMI device. The system is configured so that the HMI device operates in a first mode in response to exposure to the signal and in a second mode if the signal is not detected.

Abstract: An airbag module including an airbag configured to inflate between a steering wheel and a vehicle occupant and an inflator configured to provide inflation gas to the airbag. The airbag includes a first vent opening and a second vent opening, and the first and second vent openings are configured to allow venting of an inflation gas. The first vent opening and second vent opening are arranged such that the first vent opening is located above a rim of the steering wheel and the second vent opening is located below the rim of the steering wheel when the airbag is in an inflated state.

Abstract: A classification system for determining the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle. The classification system includes a first sensing electrode located in a back portion of the seat and a second sensing electrode located in a base portion of the seat. The system includes a measurement circuit configured to measure a first property associated with the first sensing electrode and a second property associated with the second electrode. A controller is configured to send an occupancy signal indicative of the occupancy state of the seat based on the measured properties associated with the first and second sensing electrodes. The controller may be configured to send the occupancy signal to a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) system.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The nozzle includes at least one bi-directional gas exit passage configured to provide a thrust-neutral release of gases from the nozzle.

Abstract: A gas generator contains an anti-vibration, auto-igniting pad. The pad is formed from a mixture of a known auto-igniting composition mixed with an elastomeric polymer, and then cured, thereby forming a polymer-auto-igniting composition matrix. The pad is placed in thermodynamic communication with a housing on the gas generator, thereby enhancing the safety of the gas generator while yet providing a multi-functional pad. The pad is formulated to reduce vibrations when biased against an associated gas generant, while augmenting the amount of gas produced upon gas generator activation, while yet providing an auto-igniting material that is ignited during a high heat event.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly for a pressurized fluid-powered actuator is provided. The assembly includes a piston rod having a fluid flow passage extending along an interior thereof, and a cap secured to the piston rod at a position along the fluid flow passage. Sealing means is positioned between the piston rod and the cap so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the piston rod and the cap.

Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and at least one tethering mechanism positioned within the lower chamber. The at least one tether mechanism is structured and attached to the at least one panel so as to restrict movement of a portion of the at least one panel during airbag inflation such that a first recess is formed along an exterior surface of the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprising a rotating member, a moveable actuator configured to selectively interact with the rotating member in order to prohibit rotation of the rotating member in a seat belt withdrawing direction, an inertia sensing element, a guide member having a guide surface configured to guide the movement of the sensing element, and an electromagnetic element coupled to the guide member on an opposing side of the guide surface. The seat belt is configured to wind and unwind around the rotating member. When subject to a force due to acceleration, the sensing element is configured to move along the guide surface, where the electromagnetic element is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the sensing element to retard the movement of the sensing element when the force due to acceleration is below a threshold.

Abstract: An airbag module including an inflator and an inflatable airbag is provided. The inflatable airbag may include a first portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one vertical pleat, a second portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one horizontal pleat and a third portion configured to form a roll.

Abstract: An occupant classification system that includes a first sensing electrode located in a bottom of a vehicle seat and a second sensing electrode located in a back of the vehicle seat. The system includes a controller that is configured to control the supply of a first signal to the first electrode and a second signal to the second electrode. A measurement circuit is provided that is configured to measure a first property of the first signal and second property of the second signal. The controller is configured to classify an occupant using the first and second properties.

Abstract: A method for cushioning a pedestrian during contact with a moving vehicle. The method includes steps providing an energy-absorbing pedestrian interface structured to cushion the pedestrian during contact, providing an interface deployment mechanism operatively coupled to the interface and structured to move the interface between a stowed position and a deployed position, and moving the pedestrian interface to the deployed position when the vehicle is in motion and prior to contact between the pedestrian and the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas generator contains a housing having a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within the housing; a first gas generant contained within the first combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant; and a booster chamber contained within the housing, the booster chamber extending through the first gas generant cushion to physically communicate with the second end of the housing. The gas generant cushion may have at least one concave cavity formed on one side of the cushion for providing an enhanced propellant cushion. A vehicle occupant protection system incorporating this gas generator is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An active leg engagement system for a vehicle includes a selectively deployable leg-engaging member containing an airbag or expandable energy absorber for protecting a pedestrian from collision with the vehicle. An alternative embodiment may include an expandable energy absorber within or behind a vehicle bumper.

Abstract: Multi-piece constructions for an illuminated emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover are provided herein. The multi-piece constructions include non-permanent means for connecting the illuminated emblem assembly to the airbag cover. An example emblem assembly can include an illumination source, an emblem portion having one or more translucent areas and a carrier portion. The emblem portion can include a decorative film and a lens, where the decorative film is coupled to the lens. The carrier portion can be configured to attach to the emblem portion. For example, the illumination source can be arranged between the emblem portion and the carrier portion when the emblem portion and the carrier portion are connected. The emblem portion and the illumination source can also be aligned such that at least one of the one or more translucent areas is illuminated by light passing through the emblem portion from the illumination source.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing, a quantity of gas generant material positioned within the housing, and a quantity of booster material positioned in the housing spaced apart from the gas generant. A movable first screen is positioned in the housing such that the booster material is on a first side of the screen and the gas generant material is on a second side of the screen opposite the first side of the screen. The screen is structured to enable fluid communication between the first and second sides of the screen.

Abstract: A housing for an initiator module is provided. The housing includes at least one wall defining a hollow interior having a first region, a second region and a third region, the first region having a first width, the second region having a second width less than the first width, and the third region having a third width greater than the second width.

Abstract: A gas generating system is provided including a first housing formed from a polymeric material, and a pyrotechnic gas generant material contained in the first housing. The first housing forms a combustion chamber for the gas generant. An airbag system and a vehicle occupant protection system, each incorporating a gas generating system as described herein, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas generator contains a housing containing an end closure assembly. An annular end closure is fixed within an annular igniter retainer thereby forming an annular wall for retention of an associated igniter. A first base portion of the annular end closure, and a second base portion of the annular igniter retainer are fixed together, by projection-welding for example, thereby facilitating a cost-effective seal about the igniter when assembled therewith.

Abstract: An active hinge mechanism structured for lifting a portion of a hood of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a tubular link structured for operative coupling to the hood so as to transmit a lifting force to the hood after activation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A divider for an airbag includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and at least one opening structured to enable fluid communication between the first side and the second side. A valve cover is positioned on the second side over the at least one opening. The valve cover has a first pair of opposed edges attached to the divider, and another edge extending between the edges of the first pair of opposed edges, the other edge being attached to the divider.