Abstract: An inflatable device (10) has a vent (42) for enabling venting of inflation fluid. A patch (50) covers the vent (42). A release thread (70) releasably secures the patch (50) to the device to close the vent (42). A holding mechanism (82) has a first condition in response to a sensor (30) sensing a condition requiring venting of inflation fluid, and a second condition when venting is not required. The holding mechanism (82) when in the first condition holds the release thread (70) so that at least a portion of it pulls away from the patch (50) and the device (10), when the device inflates, thereby releasing the patch to open the vent (42). The holding mechanism (82) when in the second condition releases the release thread (70) for movement with the patch (50) in a direction away from the holding mechanism, when the device (10) inflates.

Abstract: A housing attaches a stabilizer bar to the body of a vehicle and includes pin stops which actively control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. A spring positioned about each of the pins provide a retaining spring force on the head of the pin, preventing the pins from moving into an aperture in the housing. When a sensor detects that lateral acceleration or yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, an actuator drives pins to overcome the spring force, pushing the pins into the aperture. When the pins are actuated, a protrusion on the stabilizer bar is trapped between the pins. When the vehicle turns and the stabilizer bar axially twists, the protrusion eventually contacts one the pins, preventing further rotation and stiffening the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hidden safety covering for an airbag arranged behind a inner lining part (1) which consists of at least one supporting part (5), of a foam layer (4) and of a decorative layer (3). In an area which is delimited by a weakening (5′) of the cross-section and/or by a material separation (5″) in the supporting part, the material of the supporting part and at least portions of the foam layer can be removed before the airbag (2′) unfolds from the effective area thereof (7′), and can be brought behind the inner lining part, for example, into a capture chamber (8). To this end, the removable portion of material is preferably connected to a traction strip (10) which can be actuated by a traction device that can be initiated by a sensor.

Abstract: When an on-board power source is turned off, after a predetermined time has elapsed, a microcomputer 34 writes predetermined data in a nonvolatile memory 35, and when the on-board power source is turned on, the microcomputer 34 judges whether the predetermined data is written in the nonvolatile memory 35 or not. If the judgment shows that the predetermined data is not written in the nonvolatile memory 35, the microcomputer 34 determines a backup capacitor 32 not to be working normally. The predetermined time is shorter than the operating time of the microcomputer 34 determined by the discharge time of the backup capacitor when the backup capacitor is working normally, and is longer than the operating time of the microcomputer 34 determined by the discharge time of the backup capacitor when the backup capacitor is not working normally.

Abstract: An air bag module assembly comprising: an inflator (250) having at least one exit port (270) with a thin layer of burst material (272) blocking the at least one exit port (270), the burst material bursting forth from the exit port during an initial moment of activation of the inflator. The module including an air bag assembly comprising an inflatable first bag (20) and an inflatable second bag (70), the second bag located within the first bag, the second bag including an opening (40b) to receive the inflator (250) wherein prior to activation, opposed portions of the second bag, radially outboard of the inflator, are formed into respective flaps, which are overlaid and positioned on a top of the inflator to provide a tortuous path through which any particles can flow prior to entering into a main portion of the air bag.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of combustion chambers and a filter chamber. The filter chamber contains a filter which includes a region which is not substantially heated by combustion gases generated by one combustion chamber and which receives combustion gases subsequently generated in another combustion chamber. In this fashion, a high gas cooling efficiency is achieved. The gas generating apparatus has an upwardly-opening vessel-shaped base and a downwardly-opening vessel-shaped cup which when combined form an outer shell of combustion chambers. A filter cap is fixed to the upper side of the cup, thereby defining the filter chamber. A first combustion chamber is positioned outside a pipe through the base and a second combustion chamber is formed inside the pipe. A foil on the inner surface of the filter chamber prevents combustion gases emitted by one combustion chamber entering another combustion chamber.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing apparatus for front ends of vehicles for reducing the shock and injuries to passengers in a vehicle when involved in a front end collision. The impact-absorbing apparatus for front ends of vehicles includes a support assembly including elongate support members being adapted to be mounted in an engine compartment, and also includes elongate cross members interconnecting the elongate support members; and further includes an impact absorbing assembly being mounted upon the support assembly; and also includes an impact-receiving assembly being mounted to the impact-absorbing assembly.

Abstract: A suspension control system includes a load support member, a base member and a moveable element attached to the base member and the load support member. The load support member is moveable relative to the base member through the moveable element. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the moveable element. A locking circuit is disposed between the moveable element and the accumulator and is selectively activatable to sustain the load support member in a fixed position. The locking circuit includes a pressurized fluid supply and a flow blocking mechanism operably engaged with the pressurized fluid supply. The flow blocking mechanism is urged to block fluid communication between the moveable element and the accumulator when the locking circuit is selectively activated.

Abstract: A gas bag module for installation in a vehicle steering wheel comprises a carrier, a gas generator mounted to the carrier, and a multi-function conductor film. The multi-function conductor film is disposed on a rear side of the gas generator and on a rear side of the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable in a first direction away from a vehicle roof (18) into a position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. An elongated member (70) is connected to the side structure (16) and has a first end (72), an opposite second end (76) and a length measured between the first and second ends. An element (100) is connected to the protection device (14) and at least partially encircles the elongated member (70). The element (100) is slidable along the elongated member (70) in the first direction when the protection device (14) is inflated. The element (100) includes at least one portion (150, 212) that engages the elongated member (70) and blocks the element from sliding along the elongated member in a direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A multi-wheel-drive vehicle has at least six wheels, a transmission with a first brake, and a transaxle device for the front drive wheels. The transaxle device includes a drive axle, an input shaft perpendicular to the drive axle for receiving power from the transmission, a drive train connecting the drive axle to the input shaft, a second brake, and a clutch device on the input shaft. The transaxle device may include a pair of drive axles connected by a differential unit. The clutch device can selectively isolate the drive axles from the rotation of the input shaft. Further, the clutch device is engaged when the first brake is applied. Additionally, the first and second brakes may be connected such that their operation may be synchronized.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device includes a seat mounted within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in which the seat is movably connected to a vehicle frame by a seat position adjusting mechanism that allows the seat to move along an axis between a forward-most position and a rearward-most position. An air-bag is mounted within the passenger compartment in front of the forward-most position of the seat, with the forward-most position of the seat defined as a position of the seat in which a distance between a passenger seated in the seat and the air-bag is equal to a minimum safe clearance.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by a chain drive transferring rotational power from the rear drive axle.

Abstract: A cold gas inflator having an opening device for rupturing a burst disk. The cold gas inflator is filled with stored gas. The cold gas inflator has a burst disk, which prevents the stored gas from exiting the pressure vessel. In the event of a automobile accident, the opening device is actuated, which causes the ignition of pyrotechnic material. This ignition generates a shockwave of sufficient energy to rupture the burst disk. The stored gas flows into the diffuser and then exits the cold gas inflator in the radial direction. In another embodiment, the stored gas exits the cold gas inflator in the axial direction.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus is provided which includes a first combustion chamber having a first opening and a second combustion chamber having a second opening. Each of the combustion chambers contains an ignitor and a propellant. A filter chamber that accommodates a filter is provided. The filter chamber is separated from each of the combustion chambers. The apparatus is configured so that a combustion gas produced in the first combustion chamber exits through the first opening and enters a first portion of the filter chamber without passing through the second chamber. The second combustion chamber extends through the filter chamber and the first combustion chamber.

Abstract: An instrument panel for an automobile passenger compartment comprises a substrate with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A pre-weakened outline is formed within the interior surface and defines a panel door. A chute is mounted to the interior surface and includes a front surface and an opening extending therethrough. The front surface includes a plurality of welding ribs adapted for vibration welding to the interior surface. A metal door includes a hinge portion and a door portion. The hinge portion is attached to the chute and the door portion is pivotally attached to the hinge portion and further attached to the panel door. An air bag module is mounted to the chute. The opening within the chute is smaller than the panel door such that the pre-weakened outline within the interior surface is supported by the front surface when the chute is mounted to the interior surface.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle which has a door frame and a door contained within the door frame. The safety device includes: a gas generator; a sensor for sensing at least one of a side impact and a roll-over for activating the gas generator; and an inflatable element connected to the gas generator for being inflated with gas from the gas generator upon activation of the gas generator. The inflatable element can thus assume a non-inflated mode and an inflated mode and can further be positioned adjacent the door in an inflated-mode thereof. The inflatable element is further made of fabric and includes: a first fabric layer defining a front part thereof; a second fabric layer defining a back part thereof, selected parts of the first fabric layer and second fabric layer being interconnected for defining one of linear and point shaped links where the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are directly secured together.

Abstract: A ride leveler system in vehicles with an adjustable wheel suspension device between a vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, with a height sensor for measuring the actual height between the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, and with an electronic control device which specifies a target height and adjusts the wheel suspension device until the attainment of the target height. If there is a deviation between target and actual height, the electronic control device adjusts the wheel suspension device for a minimum period of time independent of the course of the actual height. Following expiration of the minimum control time, the adjustment is switched off at a point in time at which the measured actual height has attained the value of the target height for the first time.

Abstract: A twist-beam axle for motor vehicles, includes two longitudinal control arms, and a transverse strut interconnecting the longitudinal control arms and having over a major portion of its length a doubled-walled cross section of V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, thereby defining an inner profile and an outer profile. The inner and outer profiles support one another at least over predetermined portions to define a contact zone therebetween for receiving a friction-reducing additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a steering wheel body and a gas bag module provided with two or more guide pins. The gas bag module, for actuation of a horn, is displaceably mounted in an axial direction by means of the guide pins. The steering wheel further comprises at least one multifunctional switch unit for the remote actuation of specific vehicle functions. The at least one multifunctional switch unit is mounted on the guide pins of the gas bag module so as to be movable in the axial direction independently of the gas bag module.