Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus comprises an inflatable airbag with a panel, the panel including a first vent opening that permits inflation fluid to escape out of the airbag; and a valve sheet including a second vent opening movable relative to the first vent opening, the valve sheet having opposite ends that are each fixed to a surface of the airbag. One end of the valve sheet moves with the panel during inflation of the airbag to move the second vent opening relative to the first vent opening. The apparatus also includes a valve guide or envelope to guide movement of the valve sheet relative to the panel, the valve sheet is capable of sliding between the valve guide and the panel. Both ends of the valve sheet remain fixed to the panel during and after inflation of the airbag. The valve sheet includes a tear tab to temporarily retain the valve sheet to the panel.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus comprises an inflatable airbag with a panel, the panel including a first vent opening that permits inflation fluid to escape out of the airbag; and a valve sheet including a second vent opening movable relative to the first vent opening, the valve sheet having opposite ends that are each fixed to a surface of the airbag. One end of the valve sheet moves with the panel during inflation of the airbag to move the second vent opening relative to the first vent opening. The apparatus also includes a valve guide to guide movement of the valve sheet relative to the panel, the valve sheet is capable of sliding between the valve guide and the panel. Both ends of the valve sheet remain fixed to the panel during and after inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag system including an airbag having a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The airbag further includes an inlet coupled to an inflatable portion. The first section is configured to inflate between a trim member and a vehicle frame; and the second section is configured to inflate into a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus comprises an inflatable airbag with a panel, the panel including a first vent opening that permits inflation fluid to escape out of the airbag; and a valve sheet including a second vent opening movable relative to the first vent opening, the valve sheet having opposite ends that are each fixed to a surface of the airbag. One end of the valve sheet moves with the panel during inflation of the airbag to move the second vent opening relative to the first vent opening. The apparatus also includes a valve guide or envelope to guide movement of the valve sheet relative to the panel, the valve sheet is capable of sliding between the valve guide and the panel. Both ends of the valve sheet remain fixed to the panel during and after inflation of the airbag. The valve sheet includes a tear tab to temporarily retain the valve sheet to the panel.

Abstract: An airbag system including an airbag having a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The airbag further includes an inlet coupled to an inflatable portion. The first section is configured to inflate between a trim member and a vehicle frame; and the second section is configured to inflate into a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas sensor that comprises a sensor cell, a sensing side support layer, and a reference side support layer. The sensor cell comprises an electrolyte layer, a sensing electrode and a reference electrode, wherein the sensing electrode is disposed on a sensing side of the electrolyte layer, and the reference electrode is disposed on a reference side of the electrolyte layer. The reference side has a reference thickness of about 40% to about 160% of a sensing thickness of the sensing side. Methods for manufacturing gas sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaged sensor can comprise: a housing, a retaining device disposed in the housing, a sensing element, a sealing member disposed in between the retaining device and the housing terminal end, a first electrical lead, a second electrical lead, and a first support member. The first support member can be disposed between the sealing member and the housing terminal end. The retaining device can be disposed in a chamber in the housing, and can comprise retaining device comprising a first end and a second end, channels extending between the first end and the second end, and can have a sealant material disposed at the first end of the retaining device. The sensing element can have an element terminal end disposed in physical contact with the retaining device.

Abstract: An electrical connection is made by connecting a metal element to a second element to which the electrical connection is desired to be made by means of a conductive material disposed onto one or both of the metal element and the second element so as to contact and disperse about or through the metal element thereby providing both an electrical and a mechanical connection. The metal element may be a strip or pad with openings or knurls formed such as by stamping, a wire that is flattened and knurled, or a mesh material such as a wire mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive material is a metal capable of withstanding harsh, high temperature environments, such as a noble metal. In another preferred embodiment, the second element is a ceramic element, preferably with a noble metal conductive pad thereon, to which the metal element is attached.