Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (74). The inflatable device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) that are interconnected along at least a portion of a perimeter (48) of the inflatable device to define an inflatable volume of the inflatable device. The inflatable device (14) when inflated has a predetermined thickness measured between overlying points on the overlying panels (40 and 42) at a location where the head of an occupant may contact the inflatable device. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid to the inflatable device (14) for inflating the inflatable device.

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

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.

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for anticipating a crash event between a vehicle (12) and an object (16) comprises a source (34) of position information located remote from the vehicle (12) and operable for providing a vehicle position signal (30) indicating vehicle position. A vehicle speed sensor (90) is operable for sensing vehicle speed and for providing a vehicle speed signal indicating vehicle speed. A source (74) of object condition information is located remote from the vehicle (12) and is operable for providing an object path signal (38) indicating position and speed of the object (14). A controller (22) is mounted on the vehicle (12) and is operable, in response to receiving the vehicle position signal and the vehicle speed signal (30), for determining a vehicle path. The controller (22) is also operable, in response to receiving the object path signal (38), for anticipating the crash event.

Abstract: A method includes the step providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) between the side structure (16) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (74). A thickness of the protection device (14) is determined by measuring between overlying points on overlying panels (40 and 42) of the protection device at location where an occupant's head having a given mass may contact the device. A pressure is determined as a predetermined function of the thickness of the protection device (14) and of a velocity at which the head may impact the protection device. The pressure has a magnitude sufficient to prevent a head having a given mass from striking the side structure (16) through the thickness of the protection device (14) when the head impacts the protection device at and below the velocity. An inflation fluid source (24) is provided to inflate the protection device (14) to at least the determined pressure.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating material comprises a cubane compound having the general formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H and NO2.

Abstract: A method includes the step providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) between the side structure (16) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (74). A thickness of the protection device (14) is determined by measuring between overlying points on overlying panels (40 and 42) of the protection device at location where an occupant's head having a given mass may contact the device. A pressure is determined as a predetermined function of the thickness of the protection device (14) and of a velocity at which the head may impact the protection device. The pressure has a magnitude sufficient to prevent a head having a given mass from striking the side structure (16) through the thickness of the protection device (14) when the head impacts the protection device at and below the velocity. An inflation fluid source (24) is provided to inflate the protection device (14) to at least the determined pressure.

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for anticipating a crash event between a vehicle (12) and an object (16) comprises a source (34) of position information located remote from the vehicle (12) and operable for providing a vehicle position signal (30) indicating vehicle position. A vehicle speed sensor (90) is operable for sensing vehicle speed and for providing a vehicle speed signal indicating vehicle speed. A source (74) of object condition information is located remote from the vehicle (12) and is operable for providing an object path signal (38) indicating position and speed of the object (14). A controller (22) is mounted on the vehicle (12) and is operable, in response to receiving the vehicle position signal and the vehicle speed signal (30), for determining a vehicle path. The controller (22) is also operable, in response to receiving the object path signal (38), for anticipating the crash event.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between the side structure and a vehicle occupant. A first tensioning device (70) is actuatable to move a piston (124) from a first position towards a second position in a cylinder (122). A first flexible elongated member (72) has a first (74) end connected to the vehicle side structure (16), an opposite second end (80) connected to the piston (124), and an intermediate portion (82) that extends through the inflatable device (14). When the first tensioning device (70) is actuated, the piston (124) moves the second end (80) in a first direction, which tensions the first member (72) and helps to move the inflatable device (14) towards the deployed position. The inflatable device (14) resists movement of the piston (124) in the first direction.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (22) for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and for maintaining the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated condition for at least five seconds. The inflator (22) contains a stored inflation fluid under pressure. The inflation fluid consists essentially of helium.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has an opening (14) for ingress to and egress from a passenger compartment (12) in the vehicle. A door (16) has a closed position blocking the opening (14) and an open position enabling ingress and egress through the opening. A structure (22, 60) assists in maintaining the door (16) in the closed position. An actuatable device (30, 74), when actuated, renders the structure unable to assist in maintaining the door in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a member (14) that has a first slot (30) extending through the member within the periphery (32) of the member. The first slot (30) has opposed spaced surfaces (34) that define a gap (40) that has a width measured from one of the opposed surfaces to the other of the opposed surfaces. The member (14) includes first and second portions (42 and 44) positioned on opposite sides of the first slot (30). The apparatus (10) also includes a sensor (16) that has a first end (100) connected to the first portion (42) on one side of the first slot (30) and an opposite second end (102) connected to the second portion (44) on an opposite side of the first slot such that the sensor extends across the first slot. The apparatus (10) further includes a fastener (20) for fixedly connecting the second portion (44) to inhibit movement of the second portion of the member relative to the first portion (42).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a member (14) that has a first slot (30) extending through the member within the periphery (32) of the member. The first slot (30) has opposed spaced surfaces (34) that define a gap (40) that has a width measured from one of the opposed surfaces to the other of the opposed surfaces. The member (14) includes first and second portions (42 and 44) positioned on opposite sides of the first slot (30). The apparatus (10) also includes a sensor (16) that has a first end (100) connected to the first portion (42) on one side of the first slot (30) and an opposite second end (102) connected to the second portion (44) on an opposite side of the first slot such that the sensor extends across the first slot. The apparatus (10) further includes means (20) for fixedly connecting the second portion (44) to inhibit movement of the second portion of the member relative to the first portion (42).