Abstract: A direct light bend sensor is disclosed. A system that includes direct light bend sensor and method for measuring the force using a direct light bend sensor are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the direct light and sensor includes a tube that is elastically flexible, made of a darkening material, and has a light absorbing inner surface. In the embodiment, a light source is disposed in a first end portion of the tube and a photodetector is disposed in a second end portion of the tube. In the embodiment, an inner surface of the tube defines a bend-dependent direct light path from the light source to the photodetector through the tube.

Abstract: An inflator assembly for an airbag safety system that comprises a container having a chamber configured to hold pressurized gases, an igniting assembly for producing exit gases and a diffusing assembly to vent the exit gases. The container is provided with an end closure that is composed of a material having a substantial silicon content. The diffusing assembly includes a diffuser cap and a burst disk. The diffuser cap has a number of apertures formed therein that allow the exit gases to be released when the burst disk ruptures. The igniting assembly is configured such that it may be coupled to the end closure and capable of withstanding a heat treatment process that bonds the igniting assembly, end closure and container together to form a one-piece structure.

Abstract: An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned.

Abstract: An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned.

Abstract: A resistant initiator for an automobile passenger restraint system which includes a shell casing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contact pins connect the initiator to a mating electrical connector of a vehicle. A metal oxide varistor disposed in the shell casing provides electrostatic discharge and EMI/RFI rotection for the initiator. A glass to metal seal header is formed in the shell casing and includes an integrated circuit for igniting the pyrotechnic material disposed in a charge holder attached to the shell casing.

Abstract: An autoignition charge for pyrotechnic automotive airbag in inflation devices is provided in the form of a foil of a synthetic polymer or of a metal, having an adhesive on one surface of the foil and an autoignition material on the opposite surface of the foil. Pieces of foil are readily attached to inflator housings at any suitable location and are secured to the housing by the adhesive on one surface of the foil.

Abstract: An initiator with electrostatic discharge protection includes a generally cup-shaped housing having an open end, a quantity of pyrotechnic material in the housing, and a seal for closing the housing open end and encapsulating the pyrotechnic material within the housing. A pair of electrodes in contact with the pyrotechnic material extend through the seal. A zener diode is coupled in electrical circuit between the housing and one of the electrodes to provide a path for electrostatic discharge and to prevent electrostatic discharge from affecting the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. The heated stored gas increases in pressure and breaks free of the chamber to inflate the cushion. The two chambers are preferably provided with restricted gas communication, to equalize pressure between the chambers over time. This restricted communication maintains the chambers essentially separate over the short time periods associated with inflation. Over time, however, the communication will permit any unfired chamber to depressurize, providing increased safety.

Abstract: Integrally incorporated in a squib is a locking feature that allows a projectile to be attached to it any time between assembly of the squib and installation of the squib into the inflator. This design enhances the safety of the squib by permitting handling without the projectile attached. It also minimizes the number of parts required to perform the function of rupturing a burst disk in an inflator by combining the function of the projectile with the protective covering of the squib body.

Abstract: A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. The heated stored gas increases in pressure and breaks free of the chamber to inflate the cushion. The two chambers are preferably provided with restricted gas communication, to equalize pressure between the chambers over time. This restricted communication maintains the chambers essentially separate over the short time periods associated with inflation. Over time, however, the communication will permit any unfired chamber to depressurize, providing increased safety.