Abstract: A suspension system for controlling the relative displacement between a pair of laterally opposed ground engaging components of a vehicle and the frame of the vehicle is disclosed herein. Each of the ground engaging components is individually fixed to the frame by a frame connecting component. The frame connecting component is hingedly mounted to the frame so as to allow a relative pivotal movement between each of the frame connecting components and the frame. The suspension system includes a first suspension member pivotally mounted to the frame to pivot about a first suspension member pivotal axis. The suspension system also including a second suspension member pivotally mounted to the first suspension member to pivot relatively to the first suspension member about along a second suspension member pivotal axis perpendicular to the first suspension member pivotal axis. lThe suspension system further includes a biasing mechanism mounted both to the frame and to the second suspension member.

Abstract: A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: An airbag inflator with venturi effect cooling and gas supplement. The inflator includes a housing having a quantity of gas-producing fuel therein, and possibly a stored gas also, along with appropriate igniters. These materials are stored within a gas production chamber of the housing. The gas leaving this chamber travels through the housing to an exit port on the housing. Intermediate the gas production chamber and the housing exit port is a venturi section of the housing. This section reduces the pressure of the gas, and thus the pressure at the interior end of draw vents opening onto the venturi section. The vents therefore draw outside air into the housing to mix with the gas. This cools the gas to the desired temperature, and also supplements the gas exiting the housing. As such, the need for a heat sink to cool the gas is reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, since the cushion is inflated with a mixture of gas and air, the amount of gas typically needed is reduced by the amount of added air.

Abstract: A variable stiffness suspension bushing (18) that is useful in a suspension of a motor vehicle to reduce brake shudder includes a shaft or rod (40) connected to a suspension member (12), an inner cylinder (42) fixedly connected to the shaft or rod (40), and an outer cylinder (44) fixedly connected to a chassis member (16). A magnetorheological (MR) elastomer (48), having iron particles embedded therein, is interposed between the inner (42) and outer (44) cylinders, and a coil (54) is disposed about the inner cylinder (42). When the coil (54) is energized by electrical current provided from a suspension control module (20), a variable magnetic field is generated so as to influence the magnetorheological (MR) elastomer (48) whereby variable stiffness values of the elastomer (48) are obtained to provide the bushing (18) with variable stiffness characteristics in order to eliminate compromises heretofore necessary when using single, fixed rate bushings.

Abstract: An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus comprises gas generating material, a plurality of filter layers, and a strand extending around the filter layers. The gas generating material generates gas when ignited. The filter layers filter the gas as it flows through the filter layers, and encircle the gas generating material. The filter layers include an outer layer with a cylindrical outer surface. The strand extends around the cylindrical outer surface of the outer filter layer at least partially in a helix, and has a plurality of circumferentially extending turns. The turns in the strand are spaced apart axially to define a helical gap which permits the gas to move from the cylindrical outer surface past the strand toward the air bag.

Abstract: An element for position retention of a boot on a ski. This element comprises a body (3) movable along a slide-rail (6) and a locking device (13) for immobilizing the body along the slide-rail in a defined position. The locking device is extended upward by a "T"-shaped control mechanism (14) which extends upward along the rear face of the body.

Abstract: A method of adjusting wheel loading in a trailer having a trailer body with apertured channel members on the bottom, a wheel bogie having a braking mechanism and a pair of apertured channel members on the top thereof which engage the channel members of the trailer body to permit relative sliding movement between the trailer body and the wheel bogie, a locking mechanism having a pair of movable locking pins for locking the trailer body to the wheel bogie when the locking pins are extended through the apertures in the channel members wherein the method includes the steps of assessing the wheel loading of the trailer, setting the brake of the wheel bogie, retracting the locking pins to permit relative movement between the trailer body and the wheel bogie, inserting a trailer slider stop pin in an aperture of each trailer channel at a position where the trailer body is to be stopped relative to the wheel bogie and moving the trailer body relative to the wheel bogie until movement of the trailer body is arrested b

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative to

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) is attached to a vehicle part (22). The protection device (20) is deployable, upon inflation, through a deployment opening (24) in the vehicle part (22). A cover (60) closes the deployment opening (24) prior to deployment of the protection device (20). The cover (60) moves away from the vehicle part (22) upon deployment of the protection device (20). Attachment devices (82, 300) releasably attach the cover (60) to the vehicle part (22) and comprise a clip (120, 302) which is attachable to one of the cover and the vehicle part. The one of the cover (60) and the vehicle part (22) has a mounting opening (86, 322) and a recess (88, 324) adjacent the mounting opening. The clip (120, 302) includes a retaining portion (152, 364) biased to be received in the recess (88, 324) to inhibit removal of the clip, an opening (162, 380) for alignment with the mounting opening (86, 322), and a resiliently deflectable portion (164, 382).

Abstract: The invention relates to a collision-protection system for passengers of motor vehicles. In a manner which is known in principle, an airbag is automatically inflated in the event of an accident. In order to control the direction and speed of expansion, the airbag is wholly or partially encased by a tough, plastically deformable film, which is overstretched and torn open as the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: An air bag module (14) includes a cylindrical inflator (24), a wall structure (56), and a ring (120) extending through an opening (72) in the wall structure (56). The ring interlocks the inflator (24) with the wall structure (56) in a predetermined orientation circumferentially about a central axis (27) of the inflator (24). The ring (120) has first and second parts (160, 162) which are bonded together. The first part (160) of the ring (120) has an annular shape, and is formed of a first material. The second part (162) of the ring (120) extends circumferentially around the first part (160), and is formed of a second, harder material.

Abstract: A filter for an air bag inflator has multiple layers of pierced sheet metal including a vacant plenum therebetween followed by an expanded metallic mesh filter.

Abstract: A cover assembly for concealing an automotive vehicle air bag restraint assembly with an air bag, an air bag housing and a gas generator located in the housing for supplying gas to the air bag in response to vehicle impact. The cover assembly includes an inner retainer panel secured between the air bag and a vehicle passenger compartment. An air bag door is mounted within an opening in the retainer panel. A hinge connects the door to the retainer panel and allows the door to swing open under the force of an inflating air bag. A foam layer is sandwiched between an outer skin and the retainer panel and extends across both the retainer panel and the air bag door. A weakened tear-seam is formed in an outer surface of the outer skin and runs parallel to and adjacent an edge of the door opposite the hinge. A rigid applique is supported in a layered disposition over the outer skin to conceal the weakened tear-seam from passenger compartment occupants.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), a cover (32) for the protection device (12), and a pair of clamping parts (34, 42) with a fastener structure (36, 40). The protection device (12) comprises a first compressively deflectable structure. The cover (32) comprises a second compressively deflectable structure. The fastener structure (36, 40) comprises a stud (36) extending longitudinally between the clamping parts (34, 42), and applies a clamping load to the clamping parts (34, 42). At least one of the deflectable structures (12, 32) is compressively stressed by the clamping load. The apparatus (10) further includes a bushing (48) which is indeflectable under the clamping load. The bushing (48) extends over the stud (36) fully between the clamping parts (34, 42) to space the clamping parts (34, 42) from each other. Accordingly, the spacing between the clamping parts (34, 42) is unaffected by creep in the compressively stressed deflectable structure.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly (20) includes a steering wheel frame (40) with a tubular core (42) and an actuatable inflator (82) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (84). The inflator (82) includes a container (100) which defines a chamber (120) for fluid under pressure and a portion (200) connectable to a steering shaft (26) of the vehicle. The container (100) is located within the tubular core (42) of the frame (40). The tubular core (42) engages a side wall (126) of the container (100) to reinforce the side wall against the pressure in the chamber (120). The inflator (82) is connected to the frame (40) by a connection, such as a portion (60) on the tubular core (42) deformed against the container (100).

Abstract: An attachment system for retaining an accessory on an extruded module reaction can of a vehicle safety restraint system. At least one channel is formed integrally with the reaction can during extrusion thereof. An extruded attachment clip includes a pair of resilient legs and a rounded body part joining the legs together. The body portion of the attachment clip forms a cavity capable of receiving the accessory. The legs of the attachment clip are attachable to the channel of the reaction can to secure the accessory thereon. The extruded clip design of the present invention thus snaps onto a channel extruded into the reaction can, eliminating the need for expensive secondary manufacturing operations and assembly procedures.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an inflator and an air bag for inflation upon the discharge of gas by the inflator. The module further includes a mounting and diffuser bracket for securing the inflator and air bag to the vehicle. The mounting and diffuser bracket includes a diffuser portion positioned radially outward of the discharge end of the inflator. The diffuser portion preferably includes wing portions substantially surrounding the discharge ports of the inflator such that upon discharge of gas by the inflator, the wing portions redirect and diffuse the discharging inflator gas into the air bag. Advantageously, the wing portions also provide a localized heat shield for the air bag.

Abstract: An apparatus (24) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) comprises a container (40) which defines a chamber (42) for material which effects inflation of the protection device. The container (40) includes an opening (60) of a flow area through which fluid flows to inflate the protection device (22). A rupturable closure (64) blocks fluid flow through the opening (60) in the container (40). A first actuatable initiator (164), upon actuation, effects the rupture of the closure (64). A member (120) is movable from a first position in which the flow of fluid through the opening (60) is unrestricted when the closure (64) is ruptured. The member (120) is movable to a second position in which fluid flow through the opening (60) is restricted by a portion of the member to reduce the flow area of the opening. A second actuatable initiator (162), upon actuation, moves the member (120) from the first position to the second position and effects the rupture of the closure (64).

Abstract: A two-piece apparatus for sliding over a surface. The device includes forward and rear runners connected by a linkage which allows a user to increase deviation of the runners from a horizontal plane at the same time that a deviation from the longitudinal axis of the apparatus occurs. Thus, the user can tilt or edge the runners at the same time that a turn is being implemented. The board provides a narrower waist section than the leading or trailing sections on each of the forward and rear runners. In addition, at maximum articulation of the runners, a substantially smooth arc is formed along the inner edge of the runners so that optimal cornering and shorter radii may be achieved. Preferably, each of the runners includes a set of fins along a rearward edge so that the device may bite into the surface more aggressively.

Abstract: A seat structure equipped with a side impact air bag apparatus in which, when an external force is applied to a side of a vehicle, an air bag apparatus mounted to a side portion of a seat back frame is operated, a sewn portion of seat surface layers is ruptured, and thereafter, an air bag body is unfolded, includes an air bag case, the air bag case having a lid which is opened due to the unfolding of the air bag body. When the lid is opened, a seat pad which is disposed further toward the front of the vehicle than the lid is compressed by the lid toward the inner side of a seat back in the transverse direction of the seat back.