Abstract: A supplemental inflatable restraint system (SIR) is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with an instrument panel at a forward end therein. The SIR includes a cavity having an opening formed in a lower portion of the instrument panel. An inflatable cushion is operable to transition through the opening from a non-expanded state, in which the cushion is inside the cavity, to an expanded state, in which the cushion is substantially outside the cavity. A fluid dispensing apparatus is operable to regulate transition of the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. A hush panel is attached to the lower portion of the instrument panel such that the panel is not visible to a vehicle occupant seated upright and adjacent thereto. The hush panel is configured to cover the opening, and is characterized by the absence of an outer surface with an appearance finish.

Abstract: An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly.

Abstract: A supplemental inflatable restraint system (SIR) is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with an instrument panel at a forward end therein. The SIR includes a cavity having an opening formed in a lower portion of the instrument panel. An inflatable cushion is operable to transition through the opening from a non-expanded state, in which the cushion is inside the cavity, to an expanded state, in which the cushion is substantially outside the cavity. A fluid dispensing apparatus is operable to regulate transition of the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. A hush panel is attached to the lower portion of the instrument panel such that the panel is not visible to a vehicle occupant seated upright and adjacent thereto. The hush panel is configured to cover the opening, and is characterized by the absence of an outer surface with an appearance finish.

Abstract: A process for making a body of gas generating material comprising the steps of preparing a slurry of the ingredients of said gas generating material; extruding said slurry into a plurality of extrudate; forming the extrudate into spherical granules; and pressing a plurality of granules to form a unitary body.

Abstract: An igniter for use in a vehicle having gas generating material which upon ignition produces gas for inflating an inflatable occupant restraint. The igniter comprises a pyrotechnic transmission line having one end located adjacent the gas generating material. The pyrotechnic transmission line includes a housing and a plurality of pyrotechnic cords located in the housing and extending for substantially the length of the housing. A pair of electrically conductive members are located at a position spaced from the one end of the pyrotechnic transmission line. Each of the members have a portion disposed within the housing. The members are spaced apart. A spark is generated between the members to heat and thereby ignite the pyrotechnic cords in response to a sensor sensing deceleration of the vehicle at a rate above a predetermined rate of deceleration.

Abstract: A wet mixture of a metal azide having a predetermined average particle size and a metal oxide is prepared. The wet mixture is ground to reduce at least the average particle size of the metal azide. Thereafter, the wet mixture is directed through a chamber containing grinding media. The grinding media is agitated as the mixture flows through the chamber to further reduce the average particle size of the metal azide to a desired particle size.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a gas generating material includes preparing a wet mixture of a metal azide and a metal oxide without prior mixing of the metal azide and metal oxide in dry form. The metal azide content of the gas generating material is controlled and the possibility of forming hazardous hydrazoic acid fumes is minimized by maintaining the temperature of the wet mixture of gas generating material between 20.degree. C. and 30.degree. C. The possibility of forming hydrazoic acid fumes is further reduced by maintaining the pH of the wet mixture of gas generating materials at or above 10.5. Excess liquid is removed from the wet mixture of gas generating materials so that the wet mixture has a moisture content of approximately 9%. The excess liquid from the wet mixture is recycled and used the formation of additional gas generating material.

Abstract: An igniter for use in a vehicle having gas generating material which upon ignition produces gas for inflating an inflatable occupant restraint. The igniter comprises a pyrotechnic transmission line having one end located adjacent the gas generating material. The pyrotechnic transmission line includes a housing and a plurality of pyrotechnic cords located in the housing and extending for substantially the length of the housing. A pair of electrically conductive members are located at a position spaced from the one end of the pyrotechnic transmission line. Each of the members have a portion disposed within the housing. The members are spaced apart. A spark is generated between the members to heat and thereby ignite the pyrotechnic cords in response to a sensor sensing deceleration of the vehicle at a rate above a predetermined rate of deceleration.