Abstract: A new and improved seat belt retractor system having an electronic control unit which is adapted to receive a signal from a sensor responsive to the buckling of the seat belt and causes an electric motor acting through a chain drive to drivingly rotate a reel in one direction for providing a predetermined seat belt loading on the seat occupant and that is responsive to the braking of the vehicle under emergency conditions to increase the tensioning of the seat belt to a level that exceeds the predetermined seat belt loading.

Abstract: A new and improved seat belt retractor system having an electronic control unit which is adapted to receive a signal from a sensor responsive to the buckling of the seat belt and causes an electric motor acting through a chain drive to drivingly rotate a reel in one direction for providing a predetermined seat belt loading on the seat occupant and that is responsive to the braking of the vehicle under emergency conditions to increase the tensioning of the seat belt to a level that exceeds the predetermined seat belt loading.

Abstract: A belt tension and energy absorbing apparatus for a motor vehicle seat belt including a stationary tube attached to a body of the motor vehicle, a piston slidable in the stationary tube, a connecting member between the seat belt and the piston, a source of gas at elevated pressure, and an energy absorber. A bulkhead in the stationary tube between the ends thereof cooperates with the piston in defining a pressure chamber in the stationary tube. When sensors on the motor vehicle detect rapid deceleration, gas from the source of gas at elevated pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber and propels the piston through a tension stroke in a first direction. After the tension stoke, the thrust of an occupant on the seat belt propels the piston in a second direction through an energy absorbing stroke during which the piston displaces the bulkhead a fraction of the occupant's kinetic energy is converted into work.

Abstract: A vehicle body has front and rear door openings defined by front, middle and rear pillars and by the vehicle roof. A bi-fold door includes upper and lower door portions, each of which extends full length from the front pillar to the rear pillar. An upper hinge acts between the roof and the upper edge of the upper door portion. A door panel hinge acts between the adjacent edges of the upper and lower door portions. A track extends vertically along the middle pillar and a track follower is carried by the lower door portion at the lower edge adjacent the bottom thereof and is engaged in the track. A door beam is mounted within the lower door portion and extends the full length of the door from the front to the rear pillar. A first door latch is mounted on the front pillar and a second door latch is mounted on the rear pillar. Latch strikers are mounted respectively on the front and rear ends of the lower door portion to engage with the first and second door latches.