Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Rahl

Kenneth E. Rahl 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).

  • Inflator for inflating an air bag having magnetically coupled internal ignition
    Patent number: 5799972
    Abstract: A pressure vessel (12) contains a source of inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (11). The pressure vessel (12) includes a surface (52) which defines a passage (54) for inflation fluid to flow from the pressure vessel (12) into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A device (68 and/or 96) inside the pressure vessel (12) sends or receives electrical signals. An energy transmitting device (70) transmits energy into or out of the pressure vessel (12) through a wall portion (24) of the pressure vessel (12). The energy transmitting device (70) includes a first portion (72) outside the pressure vessel (12) and a second portion (74) inside the pressure vessel (12). One of the first and second portions (72, 74) of the energy transmitting device (70) converts the energy into electrical current. The second portion (74) of the energy transmitting device (70) is electrically connected with the device inside the pressure vessel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Handman, Kenneth E. Rahl