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).

  • Patent number: 7229100
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
  • Patent number: 6983955
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 6979024
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
  • Publication number: 20040150210
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk, Kevin S. Countryman
  • Patent number: 6641074
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 6619692
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 6584911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
  • Publication number: 20030006594
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Douglas P. Campbell, Brian R. Pitstick, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle
  • Publication number: 20020158455
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
  • Publication number: 20020140217
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 6454306
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 6431594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Publication number: 20020088890
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20020089156
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc. and TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Patent number: 5733135
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Kennedy, Brian R. Pitstick, Todd R. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5558366
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Todd Bailey, Brian R. Pitstick, Eric Streif
  • Patent number: 5314345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Cahaly, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Patent number: 5275575
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Cahaly, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Patent number: 5178547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Bonas, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Patent number: 5131679
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad M. Novak, Brian R. Pitstick, Jerome W. Emery, Sanjeev M. Kulkarni