Patents by Inventor Erik Hjerpe

Erik Hjerpe 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: 11491360
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with, along at least a portion of an edge of the drop stitch fabric, an edge fixation line and an at least first inner fixation line at an at least first margin from the edge, the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line comprising coupling means fixating the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable structure is further provided with, between the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line, a non-inflatable connectable element e.g. adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Nathan Nuzzo
  • Patent number: 11344126
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state, the inflatable structure comprising a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. At least one layer of the first and second layers comprises a ridge formed by a folded portion of the one layer, secured by a fixation line. The disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method of an inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing, and an inflatable seat comprising such an inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Nathan Nuzzo
  • Patent number: 11325806
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by an alignment system for aligning tethers of a drop stitch fabric prior to feeding the drop stitch fabric to a drop stitch fabric processing machine. The alignment system feeds a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitch tethers, wherein the first layer is moving with a first velocity and the second layer is moving with a second velocity. The disclosure also relates to an alignment system in accordance with to the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Nathan Nuzzo
  • Publication number: 20200397145
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state, the inflatable structure comprising a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. At least one layer of the first and second layers comprises a ridge formed by a folded portion of the one layer, secured by a fixation line. The disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method of an inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing, and an inflatable seat comprising such an inflatable structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Publication number: 20200399091
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by an alignment system for aligning tethers of a drop stitch fabric prior to feeding the drop stitch fabric to a drop stitch fabric processing machine. The alignment system feeds a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitch tethers, wherein the first layer is moving with a first velocity and the second layer is moving with a second velocity. The disclosure also relates to an alignment system in accordance with to the foregoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Publication number: 20200306574
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with, along at least a portion of an edge of the drop stitch fabric, an edge fixation line and an at least first inner fixation line at an at least first margin from the edge, the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line comprising coupling means fixating the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable structure is further provided with, between the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line, a non-inflatable connectable element e.g. adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Publication number: 20200307118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with one or more folding lines defining the inflatable structure into two or more interconnected chambers, the one or more folding lines comprising coupling means coupling the first layer to the second layer. Dimensions of the one or more folding lines and/or coupling means are adapted to enable the inflatable structure to in both the deflated state and the inflated state be foldable along the one or more folding lines. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a foldable inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Publication number: 20200307154
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to manufacturing an inflatable structure. There is determined one or more contours of at least a portion of an inflatable structure to be manufactured. There is further provided a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. Moreover, there is provided along at least a portion of the drop stitch fabric one or more fixation lines comprising coupling means fixating the first layer to the second layer, the one or more fixation lines corresponding to the one or more contours. Furthermore, the drop stitch fabric is coated, wherein one or more coating layers cover at least the one or more fixation lines. The disclosure also relates to an inflatable structure manufactured according to the foregoing, and a control system for controlling said manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Patent number: 10099581
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a support arrangement for a child seat. The support arrangement comprises a support column having an axial direction. The support column is adapted to transfer a collision load in the axial direction. The support column comprises, or is constituted by, at least one inflatable body. The support column is adapted to in an inflated state of the inflatable body extend in the axial direction between the child seat and a support surface. The disclosure further relates to a kit comprising the support arrangement and a child seat. The disclosure also relates to a method to control extension in an axial direction of a support arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Erik Hjerpe
  • Publication number: 20160318425
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a support arrangement for a child seat. The support arrangement comprises a support column having an axial direction. The support column is adapted to transfer a collision load in the axial direction. The support column comprises, or is constituted by, at least one inflatable body. The support column is adapted to in an inflated state of the inflatable body extend in the axial direction between the child seat and a support surface. The disclosure further relates to a kit comprising the support arrangement and a child seat. The disclosure also relates to a method to control extension in an axial direction of a support arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventor: Erik HJERPE
  • Patent number: 9368783
    Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle includes a plurality of electrically connected battery cells and at least one current interruption device. The at least one current interruption device comprises a movable pressure sensitive element which is engaged by a pressure rise inside the battery pack and whose engagement leads to an electrical disconnection of one or more battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, David Sturk
  • Publication number: 20140065452
    Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle includes a plurality of electrically connected battery cells and at least one current interruption device. The at least one current interruption device comprises a movable pressure sensitive element which is engaged by a pressure rise inside the battery pack and whose engagement leads to an electrical disconnection of one or more battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, David STURK
  • Patent number: 8381862
    Abstract: A pedal arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a pedal arm connected to the vehicle structure via a first pivotal joint connection and connected to a force transmitting element via a second pivotal joint connection. The pedal arrangement further includes a pyrotechnically driven release arrangement. The release arrangement is adapted to perform a release movement in order to release the second pivotal joint connection upon being driven in response to a corresponding activation signal. The release movement of the release arrangement is based on a translational movement essentially along the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Christian Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20110308349
    Abstract: A pedal arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a pedal arm connected to the vehicle structure via a first pivotal joint connection and connected to a force transmitting element via a second pivotal joint connection. The pedal arrangement further includes a pyrotechnically driven release arrangement. The release arrangement is adapted to perform a release movement in order to release the second pivotal joint connection upon being driven in response to a corresponding activation signal. The release movement of the release arrangement is based on a translational movement essentially along the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Christian FORSBERG
  • Patent number: 7938439
    Abstract: A safety device for protection of vehicle occupants is described. The safety device exhibits a curtain airbag (10) located in the area of the roof frame, with an upper edge (10a), which is rolled up in quiescent state and unrolled in the case of an accident. The curtain airbag can be filled with gas. In order to enable the safety device to be used reversibly, the curtain airbag (10) is rolled up to roll around its upper edge (10a) when in quiescent state, and the upper edge is held by fixing elements in a manner which the airbag is rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Dan Bråse
  • Publication number: 20100282889
    Abstract: A pretensioner arrangement for a vehicle safety belt includes a safety belt retractor (12,14) comprising a retractor reel (14) mounted for rotation in a retractor frame (12) and a pretensioner actuator (16) including a first rotary output member (18) connected with the retractor reel by way of a first dutch arrangement, and a second rotary output member (28) connected with the retractor reel by way of a second dutch arrangement, the clutch arrangements being such that the output members (18,28) can apply successive displacements to the retractor reel. The first rotary output member (18) is coupled with a first rotary piston (44) mounted within a working cylinder (42) having a first input (50) for pressurized gas to drive the rotary piston (44) and first output member (18), and the second rotary output member (28) is coupled with a second rotary piston (46) mounted within the same working cylinder (42) which has a second input (51) for gas produced by a pyrotechnic gas generator when the latter is fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Erik Hjerpe, Dan Bråse
  • Patent number: 7789185
    Abstract: A safety arrangement is provided in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a floor pan (1) terminating at its forward end with an inclined splash-wall (3, 4, 5). There is a moveable floor element (10) which has regions (12, 13, 14) which initially conform to and lie adjacent the splash-wall. There is a drive arrangement (15) associated with an accident sensor (16) to drive the moveable floor element rearwardly to a predetermined position. There is a fixed platform (17) located above a horizontal part of the floor pan to be located beneath the foot of a vehicle occupant and to provide a secure point for operation of a pedal. The movement of the moveable floor element (10) is restricted so that no part of the movable floor element impedes movement of a foot pedal (6) to the fully depressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Magnus Eriksson, Erik Hjerpe
  • Publication number: 20090115170
    Abstract: A safety device for protection of vehicle occupants is described. The safety device exhibits a curtain airbag (10) located in the area of the roof frame, with an upper edge (10a), which is rolled up in quiescent state and unrolled in the case of an accident. The curtain airbag can be filled with gas. In order to enable the safety device to be used reversibly, the curtain airbag (10) is rolled up to roll around its upper edge (10a) when in quiescent state, and the upper edge is held by fixing elements in a manner which the airbag is rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Hjerpe
  • Patent number: 7464962
    Abstract: A novel safety device for the driver's cabin of a truck, wherein the driver's cabin demonstrates at least one driver seat (10, 16) with a first side (10a) facing a side window and a second side (10b) opposite the first side, is suggested. The safety device comprises a safety net (20), which is spread next to the second side (10b) of the driver seat (10) at least in the event of a rollover accident. The safety net can be permanently spread next to the driver seat, or it can be rolled up or folded together in the state of rest and only be spread next to the driver seat when needed. The safety net prevents the person sitting on the driver seat from falling to the opposite inner structure of the driver's cabin when the driver's cabin rolls over (FIG. 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Anders Hakansson, Yngve Háland, Erik Hjerpe
  • Publication number: 20080048423
    Abstract: A safety arrangement is provided in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a floor pan (1) terminating at its forward end with an inclined splash-wall (3, 4, 5). There is a moveable floor element (10) which has regions (12, 13, 14) which initially conform to and lie adjacent the splash-wall. There is a drive arrangement (15) associated with an accident sensor (16) to drive the moveable floor element rearwardly to a predetermined position. There is a fixed platform (17) located above a horizontal part of the floor pan to be located beneath the foot of a vehicle occupant and to provide a secure point for operation of a pedal. The movement of the moveable floor element (10) is restricted so that no part of the movable floor element impedes movement of a foot pedal (6) to the fully depressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Autliv Development
    Inventors: Magnus Eriksson, Erik Hjerpe