Abstract: A knee airbag includes a front panel, rear panel coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber, and an intermediate panel between the front panel and the rear panel and within the inflation chamber. The intermediate panel is connected to the front panel and the rear panel at various locations between a proximal end and a distal end of the intermediate panel to control an inflated configuration of the knee airbag. First and second suspension portions suspend the proximal end of the intermediate panel between the front panel and the rear panel and are permeable to the passage of inflation gases. The first suspension portion extends between the front panel and the proximal end of the intermediate panel. The second suspension portion extends between the rear panel and the proximal end of the intermediate panel. An inflator for inflating the knee airbag is disposed in the inflation chamber at a proximal end of the knee airbag.

Abstract: A knee airbag includes a front panel, rear panel coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber, and an intermediate panel between the front panel and the rear panel and within the inflation chamber. The intermediate panel is connected to the front panel and the rear panel at various locations between a proximal end and a distal end of the intermediate panel to control an inflated configuration of the knee airbag. First and second suspension portions suspend the proximal end of the intermediate panel between the front panel and the rear panel and are permeable to the passage of inflation gases. The first suspension portion extends between the front panel and the proximal end of the intermediate panel. The second suspension portion extends between the rear panel and the proximal end of the intermediate panel. An inflator for inflating the knee airbag is disposed in the inflation chamber at a proximal end of the knee airbag.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for solubilizing chitin in an aqueous solution by dissolving a sample containing chitin in a basic solution and autoclaving the sample. The present invention also features a method for quantifying the amount of chitin in a sample. Chitin binding proteins are used to quantify the amount of chitin using a modified ELISA assay. Results of the assay may be compared to a control containing known amounts of chitin to quantify the chitin in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles with limited space rearward of the cushion. A tethering assembly provides tension to keep the cushion in place. The tethering assembly may include a tether with first and second ends attached together such that the tether forms a loop. The first and/or second ends may also be attached to a lower portion of the cushion. Upper and lower anchors may be attached to a vehicle surface near the cushion to slidably retain the tether. When the cushion inflates, the first and second ends move downward. The lower anchor may be a locking mechanism that restricts withdrawal of the first end. During deployment and impact of a vehicle occupant with the cushion, the tensioning assembly exerts tension to keep the cushion in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles with limited space rearward of the cushion. A tethering assembly provides tension to keep the cushion in place. The tethering assembly may include a tether with first and second ends attached together such that the tether forms a loop. The first and/or second ends may also be attached to a lower portion of the cushion. Upper and lower anchors may be attached to a vehicle surface near the cushion to slidably retain the tether. When the cushion inflates, the first and second ends move downward. The lower anchor may be a locking mechanism that restricts withdrawal of the first end. During deployment and impact of a vehicle occupant with the cushion, the tensioning assembly exerts tension to keep the cushion in place.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.