Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a bearing assembly disposed in a rack housing and carried by a ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to a steering member; and a spanner nut carried by the rack housing for securing the bearing assembly in the rack housing. A first isolator, a second isolator and a first shim are provided wherein the first isolator is disposed between an inner surface of the housing and a first surface of an outer race of the bearing, the second isolator is disposed between an opposite second surface of the outer race of said bearing and the first shim, the first shim is disposed between the second isolator and the spanner nut. The first shim is provided with a member configured to be coupled to the housing to allow for axial movement but prevent rotational motion of the shim during installation of the spanner nut.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable to an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes a panel (88) of material that helps define an inflatable volume (26) of the protection device. The panel (88) includes a vent opening (52) that has an open condition for venting inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (26). The vent opening (52) is in the open condition during initial deployment of the protection device (14). A channel (68) encircles the vent opening (52). The channel (68) is at least partially defined by a peripheral portion (62) of the panel (88) that extends along a periphery (54) of the vent opening (52). A tether (80) has a portion (84) that extends through the channel (68).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening (50) in an air bag module (10) includes a vent member (14) movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening. The vent member (14) includes a vent member opening (84) extending through the vent member. A tether (12) for controlling movement of the vent member (14) includes a first portion (90) and second portion (92). The second portion (92) is folded to form multiple layers (112, 114). The tether (12) is positioned relative to the vent member (14) so that the multiple layers (112, 114) of the second portion (92) engage a first side (62) of the vent member. The first portion (90) of the tether (12) extends through the vent member opening (50) and away from an opposite second side (60) of the vent member (14). The engagement of the second portion (92) with the vent member (14) causes the vent member (14) to move in response to movement of the tether (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable to an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes a panel (88) of material that helps define an inflatable volume (26) of the protection device. The panel (88) includes a vent opening (52) that has an open condition for venting inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (26). The vent opening (52) is in the open condition during initial deployment of the protection device (14). A channel (68) encircles the vent opening (52). The channel (68) is at least partially defined by a peripheral portion (62) of the panel (88) that extends along a periphery (54) of the vent opening (52). A tether (80) has a portion (84) that extends through the channel (68).