Patents by Inventor Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer
Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer 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).
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Patent number: 6966518Abstract: A seat belt retractor assembly has a seat belt retractor for generating a retraction force to rewind a seat belt on a reel. A coupling device selectively couples and decouples the retractor from the reel. A tensioning device generates a tensioning force in the seat belt when in an activated state. The coupling device decouples the retractor from the reel when the tensioning device is activated.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Patent number: 6863235Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) comprising: a primary (40) and secondary (60) locking mechanism and deactivation mechanism (74) for mechanically deactivating the second locking mechanism (60) when the retractor is used by occupants not in a designated class; the retractor including at least two load limiting mechanisms including for example, a torsion bar and variable elongation webbing or a torsion bar and a friction brake (or clutch) configured to be selectively employed depending on the size of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Koning, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Michael J. Moore
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Patent number: 6834822Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprising: a first and a second energy absorption mechanism each of which is selectively activatable and respectively configured to generate first and second levels of energy absorption and when activated define an output characteristic of the retractor; a switch mechanism for operatively selecting one or the other energy level and a mode shifter for shifting between the first energy absorption level and the second energy absorption level as a function of the rotation of a spool of the retractor.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Koning, Michael J. Moore, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Patent number: 6749150Abstract: A safety system including a web guide comprising: a load-bearing member; a roller rotationally supported in relation to the load-bearing member; a one-way clutch for permitting the roller to rotate in a first direction and for prohibiting the roller from rotating in an opposite second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Lawrence M. Refior, Michael J. Moore, Richard W. Koning, Wendell C. Lane, Jr.
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Patent number: 6722601Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Richard A. Boelstler, David R. Arnold, Wendell C. Lane, Jr., Susan A. Richards, Markell Seitzman
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Publication number: 20040021027Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Richard A. Boelstler, David R. Arnold, Wendell C. Lane, Susan A. Richards, Markell Seitzman
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Patent number: 6669234Abstract: A system (20) comprising a buckle presenter (100) and/or a tongue presenter (200) and mechanism to activate and control each presenter. The buckle presenter and tongue presenter (200) are used to respectively move a seat belt buckle (26) and a corresponding tongue (24) from a stowed position to activated positions generally in front of the occupant to make the process of inserting the tongue into the buckle more convenient.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Markell Seitzman, Mohannad F. Murad, Hossam Almasri, Randal Gosk
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Publication number: 20030201357Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprising: a first and a second energy absorption mechanism each of which is selectively activatable and respectively configured to generate first and second levels of energy absorption and when activated define an output characteristic of the retractor; a switch mechanism for operatively selecting one or the other energy level and a mode shifter for shifting between the first energy absorption level and the second energy absorption level as a function of the rotation of a spool of the retractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Koning, Michael J. Moore, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Publication number: 20030132334Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) comprising: a primary (40) and secondary (60) locking mechanism and deactivation mechanism (74) for mechanically deactivating the second locking mechanism (60) when the retractor is used by occupants not in a designated class; the retractor including at least two load limiting mechanisms including for example, a torsion bar and variable elongation webbing or a torsion bar and a friction brake (or clutch) configured to be selectively employed depending on the size of the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Koning, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Michael J. Moore
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Publication number: 20030080239Abstract: A safety system including a web guide comprising: a load-bearing member; a roller rotationally supported in relation to the load-bearing member; a one-way clutch for permitting the roller to rotate in a first direction and for prohibiting the roller from rotating in an opposite second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Lawrence M. Refior, Michael J. Moore, Richard W. Koning, Wendell C. Lane
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Publication number: 20030075914Abstract: A system (20) comprising a buckle presenter (100) and/or a tongue presenter (200) and mechanism to activate and control each presenter. The buckle presenter and tongue presenter (200) are used to respectively move a seat belt buckle (26) and a corresponding tongue (24) from a stowed position to activated positions generally in front of the occupant to make the process of inserting the tongue into the buckle more convenient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Markell Seitzman, Mohannad F. Murad, Hossam Almasri, Randal Gosk
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Publication number: 20020175242Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Richard A. Boelstler, David R. Arnold, Wendell C. Lane, Susan A. Richards, Markell Seitzman
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Patent number: 6485058Abstract: A system (20) comprising a buckle presenter (100) and/or a tongue presenter (200) and mechanism to activate and control each presenter. The buckle presenter and tongue presenter (200) are used to respectively move a seat belt buckle (26) and a corresponding tongue (24) from a stowed position to activated positions generally in front of the occupant to make the process of inserting the tongue into the buckle more convenient.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Markell Seitzman, Mohannad F. Murad, Hossam Almasri, Randal Gosk, Lawrence M. Refior
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Patent number: 6419178Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment, the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Richard A. Boelstler, David R. Arnold, Wendell C. Lane, Jr., Susan A. Richards, Markell Seitzman
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Patent number: 6233794Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) operable with a pretensioner (330) comprising: a frame (102) having a first latch opening (126a) therein, and opposing frame sides (108a,b), each side including a latch plate slot (110) arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of a tongue into the buckle and pivoted weight mechanism (112, 200, 220). The buckle additionally includes a latch plate (180), having portions (186) movable within the latch plate slots between a locked position in engagement with an opening within the tongue and with the first latch opening (126a), the latch plate moveable between a latched position within the latch opening (126a) in the frame and within the latch opening (173) of the tongue to an unlatched position out of the latch openings.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Carl M. Petersen, III, Harjeet Gill, Rosemary Longley, Tammy Korona, Caryn Foley, Craig Good, Simon X. He, Tony Jain, Lawrence M. Refior, Susan A. Richards
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Patent number: 6109697Abstract: A belt tightening device (100/100') for use with a safety device such as a seat belt buckle: a flexible member (12), such as an anchoring length of seat belt webbing, operatively connected to the safety device (34); a housing (102) including a first opening (110) through which the flexible member loosely extends; first and second relatively movable clamping members (160, 162) for causing a portion of the flexible member extending from the housing to be drawn into the housing thereby shortening the remaining length of the flexible member causing a safety belt operatively attached to or part of the flexible member to become more tightly disposed about a user thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Wendell C. Lane, Jr., Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Markell Seitzman, Jon E. Burrow
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Patent number: 6109691Abstract: A restraint system having a seat (20) and a seat suspension mechanism (40) for supporting the seat and permitting the seat to move relative to a vehicle floor, the seat suspension mechanism including two movable members (52,54) which move apart as the seat is moved closer to the floor. A seat lowering activator (100) is connected to the seat suspension mechanism for urging the movable members apart thereby forcibly urging the seat to a lower position relative to the floor during an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark F. Gray, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer
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Patent number: 6036274Abstract: A pretensioner (22) comprising: a housing (20) with a bore (26); a piston (50) slidably received within the bore (26), the piston further including a pulley surface (58, 60) at one end thereof; a flexible link (92) having a first end (94) fixedly connected to the housing (22), a medial portion slidably positioned about the pulley surface and an opposite end (93) adapted to be connected to a buckle (90); a pyrotechnic device (80) for propelling the piston from a first, static position to a second position to affect a mechanical advantage in the movement of the buckle (90).Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Patent number: 5967441Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) comprising: a frame (22); a hollow spool (30) for carrying a length of a seat belt (32), the spool rotationally supported upon the frame (22); a torsion bar (70), which when stressed can twist or rotate, having a first end (74) secured to a first end (48) of the spool (30) and a second end (76); a locking mechanism (200, 202, 210, 220, 222) for preventing the second end of the torsion bar (70) from rotating during an emergency; and a stopping mechanism (90, 110) located interior to the spool (30) for limiting the twisting of the torsion bar to a predetermined number of revolutions.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Patent number: 5934595Abstract: A seat belt retractor adapted to be secured about a seated occupant comprising: a spool (54) having a length of seat belt (36) wound thereon for securement of the occupant, a portion of the seat belt forming a shoulder belt portion, the spool rotationally supported upon a frame (52); a tension reducing mechanism for controlling the amount of spring force transmitted from a rewind spring to the spool and hence the force applied to the shoulder of the occupant via the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt, the mechanism comprising: a cylindrical first spool (80) having an ungrooved, smooth body (81) operatively connected to the spool to rotate with the spool; a second reel (100) positioned remote from the first reel (80) having a tapered peripheral surface having a continuous spiral groove of varying diameter thereon, a rewind spring (160) operatively connected to the second reel for providing a rewind force to rewind the seat belt upon the spool; a flexible link (88) joining the first and second reel and forType: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray, Markell Seitzman