Abstract: A safety arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle having an electric battery (2) and an occupant safety device (6) such as an airbag (7) or seat-belt pre-tensioner. The arrangement (1) having a crash sensor (10) responsive to acceleration, a battery sensor (13-17) arranged to monitor a battery parameter indicative of the condition of the battery, an actuator (8) for activating the occupant safety device (6), and a control unit (9) operable to receive and process signals (x,b) from both the crash sensor (10) and the battery sensor (13-17). The control unit (9) is operable to issue an actuating command to the actuator (8) to activate the occupant safety device (6) in response to a signal x from the crash sensor.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electrical energy storage unit. The arrangement is particularly intended for use in a motor vehicle configured to be powered electrically, or by a so-called hybrid motor, and which hence comprises a high voltage electrical storage unit such as a battery or capacitor. The safety arrangement is configured to cool the storage unit in response to a signal indicative of an accident situation or battery malfunction, and comprises: a source of compressed inert gas and a flow-release actuator, the flow-release actuator being actuable upon receipt of an actuation signal so as to release a flow of inert gas from said source, the arrangement being configured such that said flow is directed substantially onto said storage unit so as to cool the unit.

Abstract: A safety arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle having an electric battery (2) and an occupant safety device (6) such as an airbag (7) or seat-belt pre-tensioner. The arrangement (1) having a crash sensor (10) responsive to acceleration, a battery sensor (13-17) arranged to monitor a battery parameter indicative of the condition of the battery, an actuator (8) for activating the occupant safety device (6), and a control unit (9) operable to receive and process signals (x,b) from both the crash sensor (10) and the battery sensor (13-17). The control unit (9) is operable to issue an actuating command to the actuator (8) to activate the occupant safety device (6) in response to a signal x from the crash sensor.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electrical energy storage unit. The arrangement is particularly intended for use in a motor vehicle configured to be powered electrically, or by a so-called hybrid motor, and which hence comprises a high voltage electrical storage unit such as a battery or capacitor. The safety arrangement is configured to cool the storage unit in response to a signal indicative of an accident situation or battery malfunction, and comprises: a source of compressed inert gas and a flow-release actuator, the flow-release actuator being actuable upon receipt of an actuation signal so as to release a flow of inert gas from said source, the arrangement being configured such that said flow is directed substantially onto said storage unit so as to cool the unit.

Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of safety system that is designed to protect a vehicle occupant during a rollover crash. The safety system will generally include a vehicle seat and a sensor. The sensor is designed to sense the occurrence of a rollover crash. The safety system also includes a support member that has an undeployed mode and a deployed mode. The support member converts from the undeployed mode into the deployed mode when a signal is received from the sensor indicating a rollover. The support member will generally be housed within the vehicle seat when the support member is in the undeployed mode. The support member is also anchored to the floor pan of the vehicle. When the support member is deployed into the deployed mode, the support member is disposed in effective engagement with the vehicle roof to limit movement of the roof toward the vehicle seat during rollover conditions.

Abstract: A hood elevation system for a vehicle includes an actuator configured to selectively move at least a portion of a vehicle hood between an elevated and a retracted position. The hood elevation system also includes a motor and a spring. The spring biases the hood toward its elevated position, and the motor is configured to retract the hood, thereby compressing the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of safety system that is designed to protect a vehicle occupant during a rollover crash. The safety system will generally include a vehicle seat and a sensor. The sensor is designed to sense the occurrence of a rollover crash. The safety system also includes a support member that has an undeployed mode and a deployed mode. The support member converts from the undeployed mode into the deployed mode when a signal is received from the sensor indicating a rollover. The support member will generally be housed within the vehicle seat when the support member is in the undeployed mode. The support member is also anchored to the floor pan of the vehicle. When the support member is deployed into the deployed mode, the support member is disposed in effective engagement with the vehicle roof to limit movement of the roof toward the vehicle seat during rollover conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a vehicle rollover is disclosed. The system includes a vehicle suspension unit and a programmable control unit. The vehicle suspension unit is located proximate to each of the vehicle road wheels for maintaining a predefined vehicle body height with respect to a road surface. The control unit is in communication with the vehicle suspension unit for actuating the vehicle suspension device after control unit has received a vehicle rollover notification signal to prevent vehicle rollover.

Abstract: Safety arrangement comprising a unit to be located beneath a bonnet of a motor vehicle. The unit is adapted to become of increased length in response to a signal from a sensor and may comprise a bellows-sleeve and a gas generator. The unit has a catch arrangement adapted to engage part of the bonnet structure so that part of the bonnet structure is engaged and retained when the length of the unit is increased.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a sensor (10) and a component (17) of the suspension of the vehicle of adjustable length between a front wheel (16) and a fixed part (14) of the vehicle. The component of adjustable length (17) is associated with a chamber (20) to be filled with fluid, there being a fluid outlet (26) which includes a pilot operated diaphragm valve (36).

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a vehicle rollover is disclosed. The system includes a vehicle suspension unit and a programmable control unit. The vehicle suspension unit is located proximate to each of the vehicle road wheels for maintaining a predefine vehicle body height with respect to a road surface. The control unit is in communication with the vehicle suspension unit for actuating the vehicle suspension device after control unit has received a vehicle rollover notification signal to prevent vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A safety arrangement compriese a unit (20) to be located beneath a bonnet (8) of a motor vehicle. The unit is adapted to become of increased lenght in response to a signal from a sensor (35) and may comprise a bellows-sleeve (21) and a gas generator (19), the unit has a catch arrangement (23) adapted ot engage part (9) of the bonnet structure so that that part of the bonnet structure is engaged and retained when the lenght of the unit is increased.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a sensor (10) and a component (17) of the suspension of the vehicle of adjustable length between a front wheel (16) and a fixed part (14) of the vehicle. The component of adjustable length (17) is associated with a chamber (20) to be filled with fluid, there being a fluid outlet (26) which includes a pilot operated diaphragm valve (36).