Patents by Inventor Brian R. Pitstick
Brian R. Pitstick 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: 7229100Abstract: An apparatus comprises vehicle seat belt webbing (18), a cylinder (50), and a piston (60) movable in the cylinder to effect pretensioning of the seat belt webbing. The apparatus also comprises a fluid source (10) for providing fluid under pressure to move the piston (60) in the cylinder (50). The fluid source (10) comprises a propellant container (122) defining a propellant chamber (123) and a propellant (82) in the propellant chamber. The propellant (82) is ignitable to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (122) comprises a first portion (124) made from plastic and a second portion (126) made from metal. The metal portion (126) is secured to the plastic portion (124) to effect a hermetic seal of the propellant container (122).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
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Patent number: 6983955Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an actuatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (20) energizable to cause actuation of the protection device. In one embodiment, the MEMS device (20) is an energizable fluid source for emitting a primary fluid for actuating an inflatable protection device (12). The apparatus (10) may comprise a plurality of MEMS devices (20) individually actuatable to control inflation of the protection device.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Douglas P. Campbell, Brian R. Pitstick, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle
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Patent number: 6979024Abstract: An apparatus comprises vehicle seat belt webbing (18), a cylinder (50), and a piston (60) movable in the cylinder to effect pretensioning of the seat belt webbing. The apparatus also comprises a fluid source (10) for providing fluid under pressure to move the piston (60) in the cylinder (50). The fluid source (10) comprises a propellant container (122) defining a propellant chamber (123) and a propellant (82) in the propellant chamber. The propellant (82) is ignitable to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (122) comprises a first portion (124) made from plastic and a second portion (126) made from metal. The metal portion (126) is secured to the plastic portion (124) to effect a hermetic seal of the propellant container (122).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
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Publication number: 20040150210Abstract: An apparatus comprises vehicle seat belt webbing (18), a cylinder (50), and a piston (60) movable in the cylinder to effect pretensioning of the seat belt webbing. The apparatus also comprises a fluid source (10) for providing fluid under pressure to move the piston (60) in the cylinder (50). The fluid source (10) comprises a propellant container (122) defining a propellant chamber (123) and a propellant (82) in the propellant chamber. The propellant (82) is ignitable to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (122) comprises a first portion (124) made from plastic and a second portion (126) made from metal. The metal portion (126) is secured to the plastic portion (124) to effect a hermetic seal of the propellant container (122).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
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Patent number: 6641074Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Christopher C. Shih, Douglas P. Campbell, Lee D. Bergerson, Dean M. Esterberg, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Ivan L. Stonich, David H. Lewis, Jr., Eric N. Streif, Brian R. Pitstick, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6619692Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Lee D. Bergerson, Paul A. Bowers, Dean M. Esterberg, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Brian R. Pitstick, Christopher C. Shih, Ivan L. Stonich, Eric N. Streif, Timothy A. Swann, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6584911Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
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Publication number: 20030006594Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant comprises an actuatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (20) energizable to cause actuation of the protection device. In one embodiment, the MEMS device (20) is an energizable fluid source for emitting a primary fluid for actuating an inflatable protection device (12). The apparatus (10) may comprise a plurality of MEMS devices (20) individually actuatable to control inflation of the protection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Douglas P. Campbell, Brian R. Pitstick, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle
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Publication number: 20020158455Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
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Publication number: 20020140217Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Lee D. Bergerson, Paul A. Bowers, Dean M. Esterberg, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Brian R. Pitstick, Christopher C. Shih, Ivan L. Stonich, Eric N. Streif, Timothy A. Swann, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6454306Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Keith R. Ball, Bryan W. Shirk, Sheldon R. Fifield, Jr., Vincent J. Mramor, Brian R. Pitstick, Eric C. Erike
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Patent number: 6431594Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). An autoignition mechanism (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick
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Publication number: 20020088890Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc. & TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Christopher C. Shih, Douglas P. Campbell, Lee D. Bergerson, Dean M. Esterberg, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Ivan L. Stonich, David H. Lewis, Eric N. Streif, Brian R. Pitstick, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Publication number: 20020089156Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). Means (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc. and TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick
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Patent number: 5733135Abstract: An air bag inflator (10) includes an igniter (142) for actuating the inflator in response to receiving an electrical signal. The igniter (142) has a pair of electrical terminals (144, 146) for electrical contact with an electrical connector (152) to receive the electrical signal from the electrical connector. A retainer (150) supports the igniter (142) adjacent the inflator (10). A shorting clip (200) establishes a short circuit between the terminals (144, 146) of the igniter (142) when the electrical connector (152) is not in electrical contact with the terminals. A crimp portion (180) of the retainer (150) engages the shorting clip (200) to block movement of the shorting clip relative to the retainer. The shorting clip (200) includes means (240, 242) for maintaining the electrical connector (152) in electrical contact with the electrical terminals (144, 146).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Peter A. Kennedy, Brian R. Pitstick, Todd R. Bailey
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Patent number: 5558366Abstract: An initiator assembly (140) comprises a retainer (46), which can be the cover for an inflator housing (10), and an igniter (142). An opening (85) is formed in the retainer (46). The igniter (142) has a longitudinal axis (143) and comprises a pyrotechnic material (152, 156) on the axis. The pyrotechnic material (152, 156) on ignition exerts a force along the axis (143). The assembly further comprises a preformed compressible plastic coupler plug (148) which includes a plug portion (170) received within the retainer opening (85). The coupler plug (148) comprises locking surfaces (184, 188) which engage the igniter (142) and the retainer (46) and hold the igniter in a spaced relationship with respect to the retainer. The plastic coupler plug (148) further comprises an inwardly extending compressible web (174) integral with the locking surfaces (184, 188). The compressible web (174) provides a seal in the space between the igniter (142) and the retainer (46).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Todd Bailey, Brian R. Pitstick, Eric Streif
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Patent number: 5314345Abstract: An electrical connection system comprises a first component carrying a pair of male connector elements releasably mated with a pair of female connector elements carried by a second connector component. A shorting clip is associated with the first component for providing an electrical short between the male connector elements. The shorting clip is moved to a non-shorting position when the first component is mated with the second component. An interlock is associated with the system and includes a lock element which is inserted into the connection to prevent separation of the first and second components while the lock element is in position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: James E. Cahaly, Brian R. Pitstick
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Patent number: 5275575Abstract: An electrical connection system comprises a first component carrying a pair of male connector elements releasably mated with a pair of female connector elements carried by a second connector component. A shorting clip is associated with the first component for providing an electrical short between the male connector elements. A safety latch is selectively receivable in a latch position for moving the shorting clip to a non-shorting position when the first component is mated with the second component and a lock element is arranged to be actuated by the safety latch to prevent separation of the first and second components while the safety latch is in the latch position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: James E. Cahaly, Brian R. Pitstick
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Patent number: 5178547Abstract: An inflator for inflating a vehicle air bag discharges, when actuated, gas to inflate the air bag. An initiator has a terminal for electrical contact with an electrical connector of the vehicle circuitry. The initiator is actuatable in response to receiving an electrical signal from the connector through the terminal to initiate actuation of the inflator. A latch pin is attached by a body of plastic material to the initiator. The latch pin maintains the connector in electrical contact with the terminal of the initiator. The latch pin is preferably made of a material different from the body of plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Bonas, Brian R. Pitstick
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Patent number: 5131679Abstract: An inflator for inflating an air bag includes a housing having a housing cover. A gas generating material is disposed within the housing. The gas generating material when ignited generates gas for inflating the air bag. An igniter is actuatable to ignite the gas generating material. A body of injection molded plastic material adheres to both the igniter and the cover to attach the igniter to the cover. The cover is welded to another part of the inflator housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1990Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Conrad M. Novak, Brian R. Pitstick, Jerome W. Emery, Sanjeev M. Kulkarni