Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle airbag ECU is provided. The apparatus includes a support plate having a first surface for mounting the airbag ECU and a wheel rotatable about a rotational axis. An input chute is positioned above the wheel and configured to direct an aggregate to the wheel. A motor is connected to a power supply and drivingly connected to the wheel. A controller is programmed to operate the motor and to selectively vary a rotational speed of the motor and the wheel. The wheel is configured to project the aggregate to impact a second surface of the support plate that is opposite the first surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle airbag ECU is provided. The apparatus includes a support plate having a first surface for mounting the airbag ECU and a wheel rotatable about a rotational axis. An input chute is positioned above the wheel and configured to direct an aggregate to the wheel. A motor is connected to a power supply and drivingly connected to the wheel. A controller is programmed to operate the motor and to selectively vary a rotational speed of the motor and the wheel. The wheel is configured to project the aggregate to impact a second surface of the support plate that is opposite the first surface.

Abstract: A side impact air bag module assembly for restraining a side impact air bag to a vehicle seat frame which provides a visible cover on the outside of the seat and allows the seat cavity to be only as large as the module's reaction housing. The housing encloses an inflator with a retainer configured to fasten the air bag, inflator, and housing to the seat back frame.

Abstract: An improved side impact airbag module configured to be attached to the seat frame of a vehicle seat. The module consists of an inflator, an inflator plate, an airbag and a soft cover. The module is designed with a reduce number of airbag components and fasteners. The inflator plate comprises a longitudinal mounting flange, a redirecting flange and a mounting plate. The redirecting flange is configured to redirect and distribute gas generated by the inflator in response to a crash signal. The shape of the redirecting flange can be changed thus causing a change in the direction of airbag deployment. The airbag is configured for receiving the inflator plate/inflator assembly such that the airbag is in fluid communication with the inflator. A soft cover is included for enclosing the inflator plate, inflator and airbag in an undeployed position. The soft cover includes a tear seam configured to open during deployment of the airbag to allow the airbag to deploy outside of the module.

Abstract: An improved construction and assembly process for a driver's-side air bag module is provided which incorporates an integral inflator and air cushion clamp ring, and which is readily snap-fit attached to a vehicle steering wheel hub. The ring/inflator assembly is received inside an air bag, extends partially through the air bag mounting opening, and mates preferably with ball-lock fasteners to a module base plate to trap the air bag to the module. The fasteners also allow easy attachment of the assembled air bag module to the hub of a vehicle steering wheel.

Abstract: An improved passenger air cushion module having a module cover which snap-fit engages to a corresponding complementary module reaction canister which eliminates the need for fasteners or retaining clips and brackets when assembling the cover to the canister, and particularly retains the cover to the canister in a manner which allows for aesthetic and mating flush-mount engagement of the cover with corresponding vehicle structure supporting the canister module. Such a passenger air bag module further provides for positive retention of the cover to the canister during deployment of an air cushion, namely an air bag, from within the module in response to a sensed vehicle collision.

Abstract: An air bag module for a passenger-side application in a motor vehicle. The module features improvements in assembly and design which substantially reduces the number of fasteners and other components needed to fabricate the assembly. A reaction housing is provided with a series of apertures along a bottom surface and an open axial end. A pair of flexible polymeric attachment members are provided which are sewn directly to open flaps of the air bag. One of the attachment members features protruding studs which interfit within associated apertures of the other attachment member. The attachment members are assembled together and the air bag assembly is loaded into the reaction housing with the studs protruding into the reaction housing apertures. Once the inflator is inserted and mounted it traps the attachment member studs in position.