Patents by Inventor Eric A. Gebhard

Eric A. Gebhard 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).

  • Patent number: 6131949
    Abstract: A venting system venting inflated inflatables at a predetermined time period after inflation utilizes non-flaming pyrotechnic materials. The system is used in the restraint system of a vehicle and senses the initiation of a crash pulse to control the passage of inflation fluid to the inflatable. A pyrotechnic delay column responds to the inflation gas to activate an output member connected to the outside surface of the inflatable to weaken the threads of the fabric. As adjacent threads weaken, a rip is created which very quickly cause the inflatable to deflate. In an alternative embodiment, an initiator responsive to an actuating signal generated by a crash pulse activates the pyrotechnic delay column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Wayne R. Mayville, Eric A. Gebhard