Patents by Inventor Charles E. Kroetsch

Charles E. Kroetsch 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).

  • Method and apparatus for simulating vehicle side impacts
    Patent number: 5485758
    Abstract: An apparatus (20) for use in simulating vehicle side impacts includes a target sled (24) and a bullet sled (26). A door structure (46) is disposed on the target sled (24). A seat (44) is disposed on the target sled (24) adjacent to an inner side (58) of the door structure (46) to support a test dummy (22) in a desired relationship with the door structure. A safety apparatus (178) with an air bag (182) is supported adjacent to the door structure (46) and the seat (44). Upon impacting of the bullet sled (26) against an outer side (60) of the door structure (46), the air bag (182) is inflated and the door structure is moved relative to the seat (44). As this occurs, a connector assembly (238) interconnects the door structure (46) and the bullet sled. Continued movement of the bullet sled (26) and door structure (46) relative to the target sled (24) moves the seat (44) along tracks (154 and 156) disposed on the target sled (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Louis R. Brown, Charles E. Steffens, Jr., Charles E. Kroetsch, Delmar H. Robbins