Patents by Inventor Kurt Gammill
Kurt Gammill 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: 11260824Abstract: A throat and fill tube protection device for an inflatable airbag includes a first portion, a second portion and an overlapping region. The first portion is a generally Y-shaped portion with a first arm and a second arm connected at a base. The first arm defines an inlet for receiving an inflator. The second arm defines a first channel for directing a first portion of the inflation gases in a first direction. The second portion defines a second channel for directing a second portion of the inflation gases in a second direction. The second direction is generally opposite the first direction. The overlapping region is cooperatively defined by first and second overlapping areas of the first and second portions, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Kurt Gammill, Jeffrey Low
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Publication number: 20210237676Abstract: An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle including an inflator, an inflatable airbag and a protection device for protecting the throat and fill tube of the inflatable airbag. The inflator is configured for generating inflation gases having an effective exit gas temperature (EGT) less than or equal to 300 degrees Kelvin. The inflatable airbag is formed from one or more panels and defines an interior volume including a plurality of inflatable chambers expandable upon deployment from a stowed state to a deployed state. The interior volume of the inflatable airbag is in fluid communication with the inflator such that inflation gases are passed through the throat and directed to the plurality of inflatable chambers by the fill tube. The one or more panels are constructed from at least one material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Kurt GAMMILL, Jeffrey LOW
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Publication number: 20210237678Abstract: A throat and fill tube protection device for an inflatable airbag includes a first portion, a second portion and an overlapping region. The first portion is a generally Y-shaped portion with a first arm and a second arm connected at a base. The first arm defines an inlet for receiving an inflator. The second arm defines a first channel for directing a first portion of the inflation gases in a first direction. The second portion defines a second channel for directing a second portion of the inflation gases in a second direction. The second direction is generally opposite the first direction. The overlapping region is cooperatively defined by first and second overlapping areas of the first and second portions, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Kurt GAMMILL, Jeffrey LOW
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Patent number: 10315604Abstract: A clamping arrangement for an inflatable restraint of a motor vehicle includes a base member and a retention member. The base member has a main body with an axially extending length and a partially cylindrical shape curved in a direction perpendicular to the length. The base member further has at least a first securing portion. Each securing portion includes a planar portion radially extending from the main body of the base member and disposed in a plane parallel to the axially extending length. The retention member has first and second ends connected to the main body of the base member. The first end is connected to the base member by the first securing portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: John Erik Terbu, Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 10196027Abstract: A clamping arrangement for an inflatable restraint of a motor vehicle includes a base member and a retention member. The base member has a partially cylindrical shape. The partially cylindrical shape extends circumferentially through no more than 180°. The retention member cooperates with the base member to define a circular opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventor: Kurt Gammill
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Publication number: 20170267200Abstract: A clamping arrangement for an inflatable restraint of a motor vehicle includes a base member and a retention member. The base member has a main body with an axially extending length and a partially cylindrical shape curved in a direction perpendicular to the length. The base member further has at least a first securing portion. Each securing portion includes a planar portion radially extending from the main body of the base member and disposed in a plane parallel to the axially extending length. The retention member has first and second ends connected to the main body of the base member. The first end is connected to the base member by the first securing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: John Erik TERBU, Kurt GAMMILL
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Publication number: 20170174165Abstract: A clamping arrangement for an inflatable restraint of a motor vehicle includes a base member and a retention member. The base member has a partially cylindrical shape. The partially cylindrical shape extends circumferentially through no more than 180°. The retention member cooperates with the base member to define a circular opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventor: Kurt GAMMILL
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Patent number: 8007000Abstract: Inflatable curtain airbags can be attached to an inflator at a throat portion of the airbag. The attachment of the inflator to the throat portion may be mediated by an inflator mounting bracket. An extended portion of the inflator mounting bracket can protrude through an aperture in the throat portion to provide an anti-rotation function as well as a retention function.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Gammill, Blake Cheal
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Publication number: 20110163521Abstract: Inflatable curtain airbags can be attached to an inflator at a throat portion of the airbag. The attachment of the inflator to the throat portion may be mediated by an inflator mounting bracket. An extended portion of the inflator mounting bracket can protrude through an aperture in the throat portion to provide an anti-rotation function as well as a retention function.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Kurt Gammill, Blake Cheal
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Patent number: 7748741Abstract: An airbag assembly comprises a tensioning mechanism including a clutch is disclosed. The tensioning mechanism maintains the airbag in a desired position upon installation. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a spool clutch and fastener via a tether to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Abraham J. Mitchell, Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 7735863Abstract: An ejection mitigation system for use in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one ejection mitigation panel which is not integral with an inflatable airbag and wherein the ejection mitigation panel is attached to at least one point below the belt line of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Walston, Kurt Gammill, James E. Nelson
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Patent number: 7712774Abstract: An airbag assembly including a tension mounting mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a one-way locking mechanism via an attaching element to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Brett R. Garner, Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 7520531Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber containing a stored gas. The housing includes a first outlet orifice and a second outlet orifice. A first rupturable seal is disposed over the first outlet orifice and a second rupturable seal is disposed over the second outlet orifice. The second outlet orifice is a pressure release orifice for releasing the pressurized gas upon unanticipated elevated temperatures, such as during bonfire conditions. A plug is disposed in the second outlet orifice. The plug includes a low melting temperature material adjacent the second rupturable seal. The low melting temperature material melts at or below an auto-ignition temperature of the inflator device to allow the second rupturable seal to rupture to vent the pressurized stored gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Kurt Gammill
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Publication number: 20080106084Abstract: An airbag assembly comprises a tensioning mechanism including a clutch is disclosed. The tensioning mechanism maintains the airbag in a desired position upon installation. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a spool clutch and fastener via a tether to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Abraham J. Mitchell, Kurt Gammill
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Publication number: 20080106073Abstract: An airbag assembly including a tension mounting mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a one-way locking mechanism via an attaching element to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Brett R. Garner, Kurt Gammill
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Publication number: 20080106072Abstract: An ejection mitigation system for use in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one ejection mitigation panel which is not integral with an inflatable airbag and wherein the ejection mitigation panel is attached to at least one point below the belt line of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Bryan Walston, Kurt Gammill, James E. Nelson
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Publication number: 20070200325Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber containing a stored gas. The housing includes a first outlet orifice and a second outlet orifice. A first rupturable seal is disposed over the first outlet orifice and a second rupturable seal is disposed over the second outlet orifice. The second outlet orifice is a pressure release orifice for releasing the pressurized gas upon unanticipated elevated temperatures, such as during bonfire conditions. A plug is disposed in the second outlet orifice. The plug includes a low melting temperature material adjacent the second rupturable seal. The low melting temperature material melts at or below an auto-ignition temperature of the inflator device to allow the second rupturable seal to rupture to vent the pressurized stored gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 7185914Abstract: An inflatable curtain is provided that may be mounted on or proximate to a vehicle's side roof rail. The inflatable curtain includes a first panel and a second panel that is attached to the first panel. The first panel and the second panel are generally made of fabric materials such as nylon and the like. At least one first pleat is added to the first panel. The first pleat is constructed such that when the inflatable curtain is inflated with inflation gas, the first pleat opens into at least one first bulge that changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain. At least one second pleat may additionally be added to the curtain. The second pleat is added to the second panel and is designed such that during inflation, the second pleat will open into a second bulge that further changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: James L. Recker, Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 7125037Abstract: The cushion retention system includes a cushion, at least one tab attached to the cushion, and a supporting member having an intermediary region and at least one aperture. The cushion is positioned in a folded condition. The supporting member is disposed along an outer periphery of the cushion. The tab, which includes a head and a narrow neck, interlocks with the aperture on the supporting member to retain the supporting member along an outer periphery of the folded cushion. In this interlocked condition, the supporting members apply an inward compressive force to retain the cushion in a folded condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Roger Tallerico, Richard Welford, Kurt Gammill
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Patent number: 7125038Abstract: An inflatable airbag curtain assembly that includes an inflatable curtain and a stiffening member is provided. The stiffening member is a bar-shaped plastic, metal, or similar component with a stiffness greater than the inflatable curtain. The stiffening member extends along a length of the inflatable curtain adjacent the inlet port and the closest mounting location to the roof rail of the vehicle. The stiffening member can be disposed within a channel formed near the top edge of the curtain. The inlet port of the inflatable curtain can receive a gas guide that extends from an inflator. The stiffening member has an attaching portion that connects to a defined location on the gas guide. The stiffening member thereby resists twisting of the inflatable curtain between the gas guide junction and the closest mounting location.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Kurt Gammill