Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one vent groove has a first end intersecting the first plane and a second end intersecting the second plane.

Abstract: A hood lifting assembly according to various implementations includes a re-latching feature that allows two slidably coupled plates to be reset, or locked, relative to each other by moving a head of a pin into a keyhole opening of a keyhole slot defined in one of the plates. In an initial position, the head of the pin is spaced apart from the keyhole opening, allowing the pin to move along the keyhole slot from the initial position to a deployed position and then to a reset position. In other implementations, a hood lifting assembly includes an energy absorbing feature. One exemplary energy absorbing feature includes a plate defining an elongated slot that has a narrowed width portion through which a pin travels during movement from the initial position to the deployed position.

Abstract: Various implementations include a linear actuator that provides controllable depressurization of the actuator and is tunable to the specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. The linear actuator includes a housing and a piston and piston rod that are slidably disposed within a channel extending through the housing. The piston rod defines a vent path that includes an axial cavity adjacent the proximal end of the piston rod and radial channel extending from the axial cavity to an outer peripheral surface of the piston rod. Pressurized gas entering the housing causes the piston to move axially through the housing, and a portion of the gas vents through the cavity and radial channel to the channel of the housing and then to the environment. This venting allows the actuator to be returned to its initial or stored position within a time frame and without exceeding the force set by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism according to various implementations includes a housing and a piston. A distal end of the piston is urged away from a distal end of the housing to lift a hood upwardly away from a vehicle body in response to the vehicle hitting a pedestrian. To prevent the piston from rattling or moving within the housing while in a stored position, a portion of the piston and a portion of the housing form an interference fit in the stored position. A gas generator in fluid communication with a proximal end of the housing provides sufficient force to overcome the interference fit and urge the distal end of the piston out of the housing.

Abstract: A hood lifting assembly according to various implementations includes a re-latching feature that allows two slidably coupled plates to be reset, or locked, relative to each other by moving a head of a pin into a keyhole opening of a keyhole slot defined in one of the plates. In an initial position, the head of the pin is spaced apart from the keyhole opening, allowing the pin to move along the keyhole slot from the initial position to a deployed position and then to a reset position. In other implementations, a hood lifting assembly includes an energy absorbing feature. One exemplary energy absorbing feature includes a plate defining an elongated slot that has a narrowed width portion through which a pin travels during movement from the initial position to the deployed position.

Abstract: Various implementations include a linear actuator that provides controllable depressurization of the actuator and is tunable to the specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. The linear actuator includes a housing and a piston and piston rod that are slidably disposed within a channel extending through the housing. The piston rod defines a vent path that includes an axial cavity adjacent the proximal end of the piston rod and radial channel extending from the axial cavity to an outer peripheral surface of the piston rod. Pressurized gas entering the housing causes the piston to move axially through the housing, and a portion of the gas vents through the cavity and radial channel to the channel of the housing and then to the environment. This venting allows the actuator to be returned to its initial or stored position within a time frame and without exceeding the force set by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism according to various implementations includes a housing and a piston. A distal end of the piston is urged away from a distal end of the housing to lift a hood upwardly away from a vehicle body in response to the vehicle hitting a pedestrian. To prevent the piston from rattling or moving within the housing while in a stored position, a portion of the piston and a portion of the housing form an interference fit in the stored position. A gas generator in fluid communication with a proximal end of the housing provides sufficient force to overcome the interference fit and urge the distal end of the piston out of the housing.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end intersecting the first plane.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end spaced apart from a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, and a second end spaced apart from a second plane extending perpendicular to the axis. The groove second end is closer to the second plane than to the first plane.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end intersecting the first plane.

Abstract: A barcode system includes an apparatus with a first subcomponent and a second subcomponent. The first subcomponent has a first barcode portion, and the second subcomponent has a second barcode portion. When the first subcomponent is correctly assembled with the second subcomponent, the first barcode portion is correctly aligned with the second barcode portion, such that a readable barcode is formed by the first and second barcode portions. The barcode system also includes a scanner for reading the readable barcode formed by the first and second barcode portions. The scanner may be connected to a display to display output from the scanner.

Abstract: The disclosed airbag module can be used in the storage, handling, and installation of airbags to a motor vehicle. One embodiment of the airbag module can comprise: an airbag for protecting a vehicle occupant; and an anti-twist assembly attached to the airbag for preventing the airbag from twisting and for preventing the airbag from being stretched during installation.

Abstract: A steering wheel of hub-and-spoke configuration including a hub, a plurality of spokes and a ring portion, wherein the spokes place the ring into material contact with the hub. The first spoke of the steering wheel includes an armature support, while the second spoke of the steering wheel does not include an armature support. The second spoke may be primarily made from polyurethane foam. The second spoke may be located at a lower portion of the steering wheel, and the lower portion of the steering wheel deforms more easily than a portion of the steering wheel proximate to the first spoke.