Abstract: The spill-proof coloring container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of liquid contents when filled to predetermined amount. Because of the use of vacuum formed sheet in the construction of the container, the container pieces are compactly stackable and are of substantially low manufacturing cost. The container is principally intended for use by young children to facilitate painting pictures and dying objects such as Easter eggs without the mess otherwise associated with painting and dying. The invention is also intended to help avoid the mess associated with pouring paint or paint powder concentrates otherwise encountered when preparing a cup of paint for general purpose painting.

Abstract: An airbag gas flow apparatus for a steering wheel includes a housing and a rotatable gas guide positioned within the housing. The housing includes a base and a diffuser, the diffuser comprising at least one opening. The rotatable gas guide includes at least one open portion and a closed portion. A weight is added to the gas guide and is positioned diametrically opposite the closed portion. The weight remains substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion is positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position regardless of the rotational position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is rotated, the gas guide rotates relative to the housing and readjusts within the apparatus such that the weight remains positioned substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion remains positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: The present invention is an adaptive seatbelt apparatus having the means in response to a first situation to readily allow release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus when the seatbelt apparatus is loaded with a predetermined belt tension load, and having the means in response to a second situation to prevent release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus notwithstanding the seatbelt apparatus being loaded with the predetermined belt tension load.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods have particular use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured via activation of an active material initiator and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatus for inflating airbags. In one embodiment, an initiator is deployed to open an exit gas port, through which the airbag is inflated. The airbag is primarily inflated via gas from a first gas chamber and is substantially maintained in an inflated state for a predetermined period of time primarily via gas from a second gas chamber. In one embodiment, an airbag inflator is provided which comprises a first gas chamber, a second gas chamber, and an intermediate chamber assembly. The intermediate chamber assembly comprises a first gas port positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first gas chamber and a second gas port positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the second gas chamber. The inflator is configured to allow a greater flow rate of gas through the first gas port upon deployment than through the second gas port.

Abstract: An airbag module is disclosed. The airbag module has an airbag cover that has a front surface. The cover also includes a plurality of latch hooks that extend away from the front surface. Each of the latch hooks includes a retention flange. A support plate is also included as part of the airbag module and is attached to the airbag cover. The support plate includes a plurality of slots. Each latch hook (of the cover) passes through a separate slot in the support plate. The slots are sized such that for each latch hook passed through a slot, a gap is formed between the retention flange of each latch hook and a shoulder of the support plate. A locking member that engages the plurality of latch hooks is also added to the airbag module. At least a portion of the locking member is disposed within the slot. The locking member, once positioned in the slot, engages the latch hooks and causes the retention flange to overlap the shoulder of the support plate.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a tether release device. The cushion assumes two different configurations depending on whether one or more tethers are released. The release device is actuated by one or more shape memory materials.

Abstract: The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).

Abstract: An airbag gas flow apparatus for a steering wheel includes a housing and a rotatable gas guide positioned within the housing. The housing includes a base and a diffuser, the diffuser comprising at least one opening. The rotatable gas guide includes at least one open portion and a closed portion. A weight is added to the gas guide and is positioned diametrically opposite the closed portion. The weight remains substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion is positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position regardless of the rotational position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is rotated, the gas guide rotates relative to the housing and readjusts within the apparatus such that the weight remains positioned substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion remains positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with scoliosis, risk of developing scoliosis and risk of scoliosis curve progression, and simplified methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has scoliosis, is at risk of developing scoliosis or is at risk of scoliosis curve progression.

Abstract: Automotive pedestrian protection hood lifting systems are adaptive, resettable, and redeployable. The hood may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. A spring may be biased to selectively vary a load placed upon the hood based on predetermined event signals.

Abstract: An airbag module is disclosed. The airbag module has an airbag cover that has a front surface. The cover also includes a plurality of latch hooks that extend away from the front surface. Each of the latch hooks includes a retention flange. A support plate is also included as part of the airbag module and is attached to the airbag cover. The support plate includes a plurality of slots. Each latch hook (of the cover) passes through a separate slot in the support plate. The slots are sized such that for each latch hook passed through a slot, a gap is formed between the retention flange of each latch hook and a shoulder of the support plate. A locking member that engages the plurality of latch hooks is also added to the airbag module. At least a portion of the locking member is disposed within the slot. The locking member, once positioned in the slot, engages the latch hooks and causes the retention flange to overlap the shoulder of the support plate.

Abstract: Automotive pedestrian protection hood lifting systems are adaptive, resettable, and redeployable. The hood may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. A spring may be biased to selectively vary a load placed upon the hood based on predetermined event signals.

Abstract: A hood latch release mechanism for a motor vehicle of the type incorporating a hood which pivots at near the front edge of the hood. The hood latch release system enables the hood to be opened in a manner to provide enhanced pedestrian impact protection in the event of an impending pedestrian impact with the hood. The system incorporates a hood latch mechanism which is manually actuatable by the operator to permit access to the vehicle's engine compartment and operates automatically to the response to an impending pedestrian impact. The hood latch release system may be implemented with an active hood lifting actuator.

Abstract: An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.

Abstract: An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.

Abstract: The adaptive airbag system is an invention that because of its unique design, will adjust an overload valve opening resistance force such that the airbag is capable of more aggressive deployment in response to a more aggressive requirement indication and such that the airbag is capable of less aggressive deployment in response to a less aggressive requirement indication. Because the adaptive airbag system employs an inflator enclosing adjustable reaction canister rather than a uniquely designed inflator per application, the invention provides for greater economies of scale in inflator production. The invention also provides for readily reprogrammable deployment parameters post airbag to vehicle installation. The invention is principally intended to avoid dangerous overly aggressive deployments such as for children and small statured adults, without sacrificing sufficiently aggressive deployments such as for larger or non seatbelted adults.

Abstract: The spill-proof coloring container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of liquid contents when filled to predetermined amount. Because of the use of vacuum formed sheet in the construction of the container, the container pieces are compactly stackable and are of substantially low manufacturing cost. The container is principally intended for use by young children to facilitate painting pictures and dying objects such as Easter eggs without the mess otherwise associated with painting and dying. The invention is also intended to help avoid the mess associated with pouring paint or paint powder concentrates otherwise encountered when preparing a cup of paint for general purpose painting.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing both bubbles and streams of water that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of its bubble solution when filled to the fill line or below, and is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation while simultaneously generating amusing water streams. It is principally intended for use by young children as a lawn water toy as well as a bubble creating device.

Abstract: The spill resistant bubble machine is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, prevents spillage of liquid when filled to the fill line or below, and oriented in any position. At the same time the invention is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation. It is principally intended for use by young children in the hands free automatic generation of bubbles, especially while riding a bicycle, without spilling its liquid contents.