Patents by Inventor Alan R. Larsen
Alan R. Larsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11104101Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a seal is formed between an interior of an airbag inflator base and an exterior environment. A polymeric member of a membrane seal can form a solid state bond with an overmold of an electrical connector of an initiator of an airbag inflator. Furthermore, an adhesive film of the membrane seal can bond to the airbag inflator base at a position disposed at least partially around a recess through which the overmold couples an initiator to the airbag inflator base.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20200346434Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a seal is formed between an interior of an airbag inflator base and an exterior environment. A polymeric member of a membrane seal can form a solid state bond with an overmold of an electrical connector of an initiator of an airbag inflator. Furthermore, an adhesive film of the membrane seal can bond to the airbag inflator base at a position disposed at least partially around a recess through which the overmold couples an initiator to the airbag inflator base.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventor: Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 10663269Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the electrical grounding of an initiator for a vehicle device, e.g. an inflator. Initiator assemblies are provided for inflators in electrical charge transmitting connection via a connector assembly to an electric ground. Initiator assemblies include integrally molded initiator having a molded base forming a connector socket. The molded base includes a grounding clip recess feature. A metallic electrical grounding clip is housed in the grounding clip recess feature. The grounding clip includes a base portion and an extending portion. The extending portion includes a first end proximate and in contact with the base portion and a second end distal from the base portion and with second end in electrical transferring contact with the vehicle device.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Scott C. Gordon, Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20190360787Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the electrical grounding of an initiator for a vehicle device, e.g. an inflator. Initiator assemblies are provided for inflators in electrical charge transmitting connection via a connector assembly to an electric ground. Initiator assemblies include integrally molded initiator having a molded base forming a connector socket. The molded base includes a grounding clip recess feature. A metallic electrical grounding clip is housed in the grounding clip recess feature. The grounding clip includes a base portion and an extending portion. The extending portion includes a first end proximate and in contact with the base portion and a second end distal from the base portion and with second end in electrical transferring contact with the vehicle device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2018Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Scott C. GORDON, Alan R. LARSEN
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Patent number: 9248802Abstract: An initiator assembly includes an SMI assembly board onto which at least a first and a second initiator are surface mounted. The first and second initiators each include a respective surface mount initiator board with which a respective igniter element is respectively mounted. Corresponding multi-initiator assemblies for automotive airbag inflator devices as well as automotive airbag inflator device combinations are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Gordon, Alan R. Larsen, Jeffery Kida
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Publication number: 20150307058Abstract: An initiator assembly includes an SMI assembly board onto which at least a first and a second initiator are surface mounted. The first and second initiators each include a respective surface mount initiator board with which a respective igniter element is respectively mounted. Corresponding multi-initiator assemblies for automotive airbag inflator devices as well as automotive airbag inflator device combinations are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Scott C. GORDON, Alan R. Larsen, Jeffery KIDA
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Patent number: 9010803Abstract: A duplex firing inflator structural component and related assemblies are provided. The component includes a molded element that contains a duplex firing initiator assembly including a primary initiator operatively associated with a primary pyrotechnic output composition and a secondary initiator operatively associated with a secondary pyrotechnic output composition. The component also includes a single connector in electrical operative association with the primary and the secondary initiators.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 8893622Abstract: An igniter for a passenger vehicle safety airbag module includes a housing with apertured walls, gas-generating tablets filling the housing, and, in direct contact with gas-generating tablets, an initiator containing combustible material. A plurality of four malleable flaps of substantially identical shape and size are secured about the squib in an upstanding circumscribing array with spaced-apart, opposed lateral edges between adjacent of the flaps interconnected by fluid seals in the form of webbing that is structurally less robust than the flaps. The ends of the flaps remote from the squib curl radially inwardly into a spaced-apart edge-to-edge disposition beyond the combustible material. The webbing and the flaps together enclose an interior space and the combustible material. Pressure from the ignition of the combustible material causes the fluid seals to burst and the flaps to pivot outwardly crushing the gas-generating tablets in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Scott Jackson, Andrew P. Jackson, Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20140144340Abstract: A duplex firing inflator structural component and related assemblies are provided. The component includes a molded element that contains a duplex firing initiator assembly including a primary initiator operatively associated with a primary pyrotechnic output composition and a secondary initiator operatively associated with a secondary pyrotechnic output composition. The component also includes a single connector in electrical operative association with the primary and the secondary initiators.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Inventors: Bradley W. SMITH, David W. Parkinson, Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20120217728Abstract: An igniter for a passenger vehicle safety airbag module includes a housing with apertured walls, gas-generating tablets filling the housing, and, in direct contact with gas-generating tablets, an initiator containing combustible material. A plurality of four malleable flaps of substantially identical shape and size are secured about the squib in an upstanding circumscribing array with spaced-apart, opposed lateral edges between adjacent of the flaps interconnected by fluid seals in the form of webbing that is structurally less robust than the flaps. The ends of the flaps remote from the squib curl radially inwardly into a spaced-apart edge-to-edge disposition beyond the combustible material. The webbing and the flaps together enclose an interior space and the combustible material. Pressure from the ignition of the combustible material causes the fluid seals to burst and the flaps to pivot outwardly crushing the gas-generating tablets in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Scott Jackson, Andrew P. Jackson, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 7192052Abstract: Inflation assemblies, associated inflation assembly combinations and methods for inflating an inflatable restraint device and which assemblies, combination and methods employ a gas treatment element to effectively treat gas being discharged into an associated inflatable restraint device from either of at least two chambers, e.g., a hot gas-producing chamber and a cold gas-supplying chamber, such that heat is effectively conveyed to the cold gas such as to result in the desirable expansion thereof and the dissipation of residual heat from the gas treatment element.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 7185588Abstract: An inflator device including a housing defining a storage chamber and a supply of gas generant material disposed within the storage chamber. The inflator device includes an initiator assembly having an initiator in actuating communication with the supply of gas generant material. A moisture barrier member is disposed between the initiator assembly and the supply of gas generant material. The moisture barrier member acts to prevent moisture transmission from the initiator assembly to the supply of gas generant material. Upon actuation of the initiator, however, the moisture barrier member ruptures to permit reaction initiating communication between the initiator and at least a portion of the supply of gas generant material contained within the inflator device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Marcus Clark, Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 6976706Abstract: An inflatable bolster system is provided for supporting a body portion of a vehicle occupant such as the knees and lower body or pelvis during a collision. The inflatable bolster includes a decorative substantially rigid front panel and an expandable metal rear panel attached to the non-metal decorative front panel. The inflatable bolster has an inflation orifice, and may have at least one vertical expansion fold and at least one horizontal expansion fold on the rear panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 6942261Abstract: A linear actuator with an internal dampening mechanism is disclosed. The actuator has a housing has a first end and a second end and forms an internal chamber. A constricted opening is also added to the actuator at the first end. A piston is disposed within the housing and is capable of sliding along the chamber. The piston has a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is slidable through the constricted opening whereas the head portion is not slidable through the constricted opening. A fluid is also added to the actuator. The fluid is disposed within the housing. In one embodiment, the actuator is constructed such that the sliding of the shaft portion forces a fluid through the constricted opening such that the movement of the piston is dampened. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes one or more second pistons and an orifice.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Larsen, Bradley W. Smith, David W. Lindsey
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Patent number: 6854764Abstract: A flexible inflator provides enhanced features to an inflatable airbag restraint such as flexibility to facilitate installation in the tight spaces along the sides of a vehicle. The flexible inflator may include a housing with first and second ends made of corrugated metal. End caps are attached to each end of the cylindrical housing to form a pressure vessel. Combustible material, capable of generating inflation fluid, is positioned within a membrane inside the housing. An initiator is in communication with the combustible material, for initiating a combustible reaction within the housing. The housing is surrounded by a steel wire over-braid. The corrugated steel housing can be readily pierced without leaving a burr to damage the environmental seal. The corrugation also provides a plenum allowing gasses to readily flow from around the inflation fluid generant.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Larsen, Earl H. Nelson
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Patent number: 6848715Abstract: A folded rigid knee airbag for preventing the lower body portion of a vehicle occupant from being propelled forward during a collision is provided. The folded rigid knee airbag includes a back panel and a front panel attached to the back panel. Both the front panel and the back panel may be made from a rigid material, such as sheet metal. The back panel may include first and second accordion folds, and first and second vertical folds. The airbag may be in communication with an inflator. During discharge of the inflator, the accordion folds and the vertical folds unfold to form four substantially planar walls. The accordion folds and the vertical folds enable the front panel to remain substantially flat and maintain a substantially uniform cross-sectional area during inflation.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Earl H. Nelson, Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20040155447Abstract: An inflatable bolster system is provided for supporting a body portion of a vehicle occupant such as the knees and lower body or pelvis during a collision. The inflatable bolster includes a decorative substantially rigid front panel and an expandable metal rear panel attached to the non-metal decorative front panel. The inflatable bolster has an inflation orifice, and may have at least one vertical expansion fold and at least one horizontal expansion fold on the rear panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Publication number: 20040036265Abstract: A folded rigid knee airbag for preventing the lower body portion of a vehicle occupant from being propelled forward during a collision is provided. The folded rigid knee airbag includes a back panel and a front panel attached to the back panel. Both the front panel and the back panel may be made from a rigid material, such as sheet metal. The back panel may include first and second accordion folds, and first and second vertical folds. The airbag may be in communication with an inflator. During discharge of the inflator, the accordion folds and the vertical folds unfold to form four substantially planar walls. The accordion folds and the vertical folds enable the front panel to remain substantially flat and maintain a substantially uniform cross-sectional area during inflation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Earl H. Nelson, Bradley W. Smith, Alan R. Larsen
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Patent number: 6655712Abstract: An inflator device having a chamber wherein a pressure dependant gas generant reacts to produce inflation gas and at least one orifice allowing the gas to pass and inflate an airbag. The at least one orifice is defined at least in part by a shape memory alloy having an austenite finishing temperature (Tf). The at least one orifice has a first fluid flow through area (A1) when at a temperature less than Tf and a second fluid flow through area (A2) when at a temperature greater than Tf. The second fluid flow through area (A2) is less than the first fluid flow through area (A1).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Larsen, Clark Rouesche
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Publication number: 20030209894Abstract: An inflator device having a chamber wherein a pressure dependant gas generant reacts to produce inflation gas and at least one orifice allowing the gas to pass and inflate an airbag. The at least one orifice is defined at least in part by a shape memory alloy having an austenite finishing temperature (Tf). The at least one orifice has a first fluid flow through area (A1) when at a temperature less than Tf and a second fluid flow through area (A2) when at a temperature greater than Tf. The second fluid flow through area (A2) is less than the first fluid flow through area (A1).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Alan R. Larsen, Clark Roueche