Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12). The apparatus (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable to help protect the vehicle occupant (16). A vent opening (52) directs flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device (14). A vent member (60) is movable between an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device (14) through the vent opening (52) and a closed condition at least partially blocking flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device through the vent opening. A panel (80) receives and transfers the force of inflation directed into the protection device to the vent member to urge the vent member toward the closed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus (8) includes a seat (10) for an occupant (12) of a vehicle (14). The seat (10) includes a cushion portion (16) and a backrest portion (18). A pivot mechanism (50) pivotally connects the backrest portion (18) to the cushion portion (16) and enables pivotal movement of the backrest portion (18) relative to the cushion portion (16) in both forward and rearward directions. The apparatus (8) also includes an occupant protection device (70) that is actuatable in response to an occupant exerted force directed rearward against the backrest portion (18) of the seat (10). The occupant protection device (70), when actuated resists rearward pivotal movement of the backrest portion (18) of the seat (10) relative to the cushion portion (16) of the seat (10).

Abstract: An assembly (10) is used in a vehicle having a seat (2) for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan (4) for supporting the vehicle seat (2). The assembly (10) includes a vehicle seat frame (20) for supporting a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat (2), a sensor (79) for sensing the load of the vehicle occupant, and a housing (100) for transmitting the load of the vehicle occupant to the vehicle floor pan (4). The sensor (79) provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the load of the vehicle occupant. The housing (100) encloses the sensor (79) to protect the sensor (79).