Patents by Inventor John D. Vaughn

John D. Vaughn 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).

  • Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device with thorax protection
    Patent number: 7350804
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes a first portion (80) including at least one inflatable chamber (114). The first portion (80) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (20). The apparatus (10) also includes a second portion (100, 102) that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The second portion (100, 102) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (20). The second portion (100, 102) when inflated extends below the first portion (80) and adjacent a thorax (152) of a vehicle occupant (20) when inflated. Fluid communication between the chambers of the first portion (80) and second portion (100, 102) is substantially blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Emam Bakhsh, Ayad G. Nayef, John A. LaFond, John D. Vaughn