Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Cox

Matthew A. Cox 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).

  • Patent number: 11548470
    Abstract: An inflator for generating inflation gases for a safety device includes a housing having an internal cavity including a combustion chamber and a filter chamber. A filter is disposed in the filter chamber. A separating member is disposed in the housing on a first axial side of the filter and separates the filter chamber from the combustion chamber. An insulating member is disposed in the filter chamber on a second axial side of the filter. The second axial side is opposite the first axial side. The separating member is coupled to the insulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Romain Danielou, Matthew A. Cox, Kevin Smith, Ludovic Pogeant, Jean Champendal, Ludovic Cueff, Dominique Louboutin, Laurent Mazeas, Sebastien Delacroix, Gildas Clech
  • Patent number: 11485313
    Abstract: A dual stage inflator includes a housing defining an internal cavity including a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber includes a first portion having a first gas generant material separated from a second portion having a second gas generant material. A gas generant retaining wall is disposed in the housing. A first stage ignition device is disposed in the first portion of the combustion chamber. A second stage ignition device is disposed in the second portion of the combustion chamber. A lid normally closes the second portion of the combustion chamber and is spaced from the gas generant retaining wall. The lid is moveable to an open position opening the second portion of the internal cavity to release combustion gas and abutting the gas generant retaining wall in response to an increase of pressure within the second portion of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Romain Danielou, Kevin Smith
  • Publication number: 20220194314
    Abstract: An inflator for generating inflation gases for a safety device includes a housing having an internal cavity including a combustion chamber and a filter chamber. A filter is disposed in the filter chamber. A separating member is disposed in the housing on a first axial side of the filter and separates the filter chamber from the combustion chamber. An insulating member is disposed in the filter chamber on a second axial side of the filter. The second axial side is opposite the first axial side. The separating member is coupled to the insulating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicants: AUTOLIV ASP, INC., AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Romain DANIELOU, Matthew A. COX, Kevin SMITH, Ludovic POGEANT, Jean CHAMPENDAL, Ludovic CUEFF, Dominique LOUBOUTIN, Laurent MAZEAS, Sebastien DELACROIX, Gildas CLECH
  • Patent number: 11292424
    Abstract: Gas generator for a safety system, comprising: at least one pyrotechnic substance arranged to produce gases; a first part; a second part; a third part; and a fourth part separate from the previous parts, the first part and the second part being friction-welded to the third part. The gas generator is characterised in that the fourth part comprises: a first interface for positioning with the first part, and a second interface for positioning with the second part, such as to temporarily block at least one degree of freedom between the first and second parts in order to allow the first and second parts to be simultaneously friction-welded to the third part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Gerald Prima, Ludovic Pogeant, Matthew A. Cox, Kevin Smith
  • Patent number: 11273787
    Abstract: An inflator for generating inflation gases for a safety device includes a filter having a main body portion constructed of metal and an opening passing through the main body portion in an axial direction. The opening has a first end with a first diameter at a first axial side of the main body portion and a second end with a greater, second diameter at a second axial side of the main body portion. A plate disposed in the housing axially separates a filter chamber containing the filter and a combustion chamber containing at least one gas generant material. The plate includes a weakened zone which opens in response to an increase in pressure within the combustion chamber with a plurality of petals axially extending into the filter chamber. A first axially extending portion of the filter is adjacent the plate and opposes radial movement of the plurality of petals upon opening of the weakened zone into the filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Romain Danielou, Kevin Smith
  • Publication number: 20210394703
    Abstract: A dual stage inflator includes a housing defining an internal cavity including a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber includes a first portion having a first gas generant material separated from a second portion having a second gas generant material. A gas generant retaining wall is disposed in the housing. A first stage ignition device is disposed in the first portion of the combustion chamber. A second stage ignition device is disposed in the second portion of the combustion chamber. A lid normally closes the second portion of the combustion chamber and is spaced from the gas generant retaining wall. The lid is moveable to an open position opening the second portion of the internal cavity to release combustion gas and abutting the gas generant retaining wall in response to an increase of pressure within the second portion of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Romain Danielou, Kevin Smith
  • Publication number: 20210394701
    Abstract: An inflator for generating inflation gases for a safety device includes a filter having a main body portion constructed of metal and an opening passing through the main body portion in an axial direction. The opening has a first end with a first diameter at a first axial side of the main body portion and a second end with a greater, second diameter at a second axial side of the main body portion. A plate disposed in the housing axially separates a filter chamber containing the filter and a combustion chamber containing at least one gas generant material. The plate includes a weakened zone which opens in response to an increase in pressure within the combustion chamber with a plurality of petals axially extending into the filter chamber. A first axially extending portion of the filter is adjacent the plate and opposes radial movement of the plurality of petals upon opening of the weakened zone into the filter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. COX, Romain DANIELOU, Kevin SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210016740
    Abstract: Gas generator for a safety system, comprising: at least one pyrotechnic substance arranged to produce gases; a first part; a second part; a third part; and a fourth part separate from the previous parts, the first part and the second part being friction-welded to the third part. The gas generator is characterised in that the fourth part comprises: a first interface for positioning with the first part, and a second interface for positioning with the second part, such as to temporarily block at least one degree of freedom between the first and second parts in order to allow the first and second parts to be simultaneously friction-welded to the third part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Gerald PRIMA, Ludovic POGEANT, Matthew A. COX, Kevin SMITH
  • Patent number: 9051223
    Abstract: Pressed and segmented gas generant grain assemblies formed from a plurality of symmetric gas generant pieces or segments are disclosed. The symmetric pieces or segments are arranged circumferentially to define a substantially round, segmented body. In certain variations, the symmetric segments are substantially free of polymeric binder and have a high density. The segmented pressed grain assemblies are more robust and less expensive to manufacture, while still exhibiting desired combustion performance. Methods of making such segmented gas generant grain assemblies are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith, K. Doyle Russell, Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 9010802
    Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8979121
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator assembly including a shell member and an end cap joinable with the shell member to form a subassembly. The subassembly contains a quantity of pyrotechnic material and at least in part defines a combustion chamber wherein at least a portion of the quantity of pyrotechnic material is reactable to form product gas for inflation of an associated airbag cushion and to generate pressure therewithin. A diffuser assembly can be disposed adjacent an end of the shell member and includes flow control features for controlling flow of product gas from the inflator assembly. The inflator assembly further includes a composite overwrap about at least a portion of the subassembly and the diffuser assembly such that the pyrotechnic inflator assembly can withstand the pressure generated within the combustion chamber upon reaction of the pyrotechnic material. Corresponding methods of making a pyrotechnic inflator assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Matthew A. Cox
  • Patent number: 8939225
    Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus that includes a housing defining a first chamber containing a gas generant. The apparatus further includes an initiator operatively associated with the first chamber and in reaction initiating communication with the gas generant. The initiator, upon actuation, acts to ignite at least some of the gas generant to form gas. The housing further defines a second chamber adjacently disposed to the first chamber. The second chamber contains an endothermically-alterable material and a piston assembly including a piston. Upon actuation, the piston moves to expel at least a portion of the endothermically-alterable material from the second chamber such that the expelled endothermically-alterable material contacts and cools gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant. The housing further has at least one discharge opening to permit cooled gas to exit the housing. Corresponding or associated methods for suppressing a fire are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20140261729
    Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator in fluid communication with the airbag. The inflator may have a first chamber containing a first gas source and a second chamber containing a second gas source. A filter module may be positioned to filter and redirect gas flows from the first and second gas sources. The filter module may be constructed by securing a baffle within an interior cavity of a filter medium having a generally tubular shape, prior to installation of the filter module the inflator. The baffle may be supported directly by the material of the filter module, by a bracket, or by a support structure formed of wire thicker than that of the filter medium. The baffle may maintain isolation between the first and second chambers, or may help gas from the first gas source initiate gas provision from the second gas source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Kirk H. Rasmussen, Matthew A. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140261040
    Abstract: Pressed and segmented gas generant grain assemblies formed from a plurality of symmetric gas generant pieces or segments are disclosed. The symmetric pieces or segments are arranged circumferentially to define a substantially round, segmented body. In certain variations, the symmetric segments are substantially free of polymeric binder and have a high density. The segmented pressed grain assemblies are more robust and less expensive to manufacture, while still exhibiting desired combustion performance. Methods of making such segmented gas generant grain assemblies are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith, K. Doyle Russell, Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 8827308
    Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator in fluid communication with the airbag. The inflator may have a first chamber containing a first gas source and a second chamber containing a second gas source. A filter module may be positioned to filter and redirect gas flows from the first and second gas sources. The filter module may be constructed by securing a baffle within an interior cavity of a filter medium having a generally tubular shape, prior to installation of the filter module the inflator. The baffle may be supported directly by the material of the filter module, by a bracket, or by a support structure formed of wire thicker than that of the filter medium. The baffle may maintain isolation between the first and second chambers, or may help gas from the first gas source initiate gas provision from the second gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Kirk H. Rasmussen, Matthew A. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140144343
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator assembly including a shell member and an end cap joinable with the shell member to form a subassembly. The subassembly contains a quantity of pyrotechnic material and at least in part defines a combustion chamber wherein at least a portion of the quantity of pyrotechnic material is reactable to form product gas for inflation of an associated airbag cushion and to generate pressure therewithin. A diffuser assembly can be disposed adjacent an end of the shell member and includes flow control features for controlling flow of product gas from the inflator assembly. The inflator assembly further includes a composite overwrap about at least a portion of the subassembly and the diffuser assembly such that the pyrotechnic inflator assembly can withstand the pressure generated within the combustion chamber upon reaction of the pyrotechnic material. Corresponding methods of making a pyrotechnic inflator assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Matthew A. Cox
  • Patent number: 8671967
    Abstract: A relief valve is provided and may include a housing having a first inlet port and a second inlet port. An initiator may be disposed within the housing and an engagement member may be slideably disposed within the housing and may be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position under force of the initiator. The engagement member may include a first bore aligned with the first inlet port in the extended position and a second bore aligned with the second inlet port in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8662532
    Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140049025
    Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Brent PARKS, Matthew A. COX, Bradley W. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120187668
    Abstract: Inflators for safe transport and use with an inflatable airbag cushion and airbag systems include a diffuser comprising a first aperture and at least one vent aperture each disposed in a lateral sidewall of the diffuser. The first aperture and the at least one vent aperture are positioned to face in at least substantially opposite directions in the diffuser. A filter is positioned within the diffuser and includes an outer surface having a lateral extent less than a lateral extent of an inner surface of the lateral sidewall of the diffuser, resulting in a gap between the outer surface of the filter and the inner surface of the lateral sidewall of the diffuser. At least one reaction device is coupled to a longitudinal end of the diffuser. Methods of making such inflators are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Larry D. Rose, Matthew A. Cox, Kirk Rasmussen