Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Swann
Timothy A. Swann 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).
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Patent number: 7343650Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a child restraint system and, more particularly, to an adjuster and harness for securing a child in a child restraint seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Timothy A. Swann, Lawrence Endicott, David T. Merrill
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Publication number: 20060261649Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a child restraint system and, more particularly, to an adjuster and harness for securing a child in a child restraint seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: Jeffrey Baldwin, Timothy Swann, Lawrence Endicott, David Merrill
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Patent number: 7131663Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Campbell, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Jess A. Cuevas, Dean M. Esterberg, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 7121582Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Campbell, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Jess A. Cuevas, Dean M. Esterberg, Bryan W. Shirk
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Publication number: 20060219121Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a pair of electrodes (40) and (42). A heating element (44) is electrically connected between said electrodes (40) and (42). An ignition material (48) is in contact with the heating element (44). The ignition material (48) comprises a metal powder and an oxidizer that exothermically reacts with the metal powder. The metal powder includes macro-agglomerates of metal particles. The metal particles have an average diameter less than about 0.1 ?m and have an oxide layer that prevents contact of the particles with the oxidizer. The ignition material (48) deflagrates when the heating element is heated to a temperature of at least about 250° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2005Publication date: October 5, 2006Inventors: Harold Blomquist, Bryan Shirk, Timothy Swann
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Publication number: 20050146121Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid () to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2005Publication date: July 7, 2005Inventors: Douglas Campbell, Ahmad Al-Amin, Timothy Swann, Roy Van Wynsberghe, Jess Cuevas, Dean Esterberg, Bryan Shirk
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Patent number: 6908106Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Campbell, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Jess A. Cuevas, Dean M. Esterberg, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6641074Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Christopher C. Shih, Douglas P. Campbell, Lee D. Bergerson, Dean M. Esterberg, Paul A. Bowers, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Ivan L. Stonich, David H. Lewis, Jr., Eric N. Streif, Brian R. Pitstick, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6619692Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Lee D. Bergerson, Paul A. Bowers, Dean M. Esterberg, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Brian R. Pitstick, Christopher C. Shih, Ivan L. Stonich, Eric N. Streif, Timothy A. Swann, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6612611Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) including a side door (18) includes an inflatable tubular structure (14) and an inflation fluid source (34) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable tubular structure. The inflatable tubular structure (14) has a stored position in which the inflatable tubular structure is deflated and stored in the side door (18). The inflatable tubular structure (14) is inflatable from the stored position to a deployed position in which the inflatable tubular structure is inflated and positioned between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., Simula Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Dan Lohavanijaya
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Patent number: 6584911Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6536802Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG, TRW Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Sutherland, Kevin M. Brown, Kirk W. Christiansen, Dirk Schultz, Bryan W. Shirk, Timothy A. Swann, Eric C. Erike, Vincent J. Mramor, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Publication number: 20030030260Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Campbell, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Jess A. Cuevas, Dean M. Esterberg, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6505853Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (28) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) has a perimeter (50) defined by an upper edge (52) positioned adjacent the roof (28), an opposite lower edge (54), and front and rear edges (56 and 58) spaced apart along the upper and lower edges. The device (14) includes overlying panels secured together along the perimeter (50) to define an inflatable volume (34) and is free from association with an inflatable tube. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the device (14). A flexible elongated member (90) extends through the device (14) and is coiled around a portion (70) of the inflatable volume (34) of the device. The member (90) has a first end (92) and an opposite second end (94) fixed to the vehicle side structure (16).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignees: TRW Inc., Simula, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth D. Brannon, Wael S. Elqadah, Timothy A. Swann, John P. O'Loughlin, James K. O'Docherty, Nathan R. Butters
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Patent number: 6485588Abstract: An apparatus (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises an inflator housing (20). A gas generating material (18) is within the inflator housing (20). The gas generating material (18), when ignited, generates a gas for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device (14). An autoignition material (24) is provided for igniting the gas generating material (18). The autoignition material (24) comprises an additive that has a ratio of absorptivity of incident radiation to emissivity of internal energy by radiation of at least about 10.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Timothy A. Swann
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Publication number: 20020158455Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Bergerson, Ivan L. Stonich, Christopher C. Shih, Timothy A. Swann, Brian R. Pitstick, Bryan W. Shirk
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Publication number: 20020140217Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Lee D. Bergerson, Paul A. Bowers, Dean M. Esterberg, Ernst M. Faigle, Homer W. Fogle, Brian R. Pitstick, Christopher C. Shih, Ivan L. Stonich, Eric N. Streif, Timothy A. Swann, Bryan W. Shirk
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Publication number: 20020125692Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (28) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) has a perimeter (50) defined by an upper edge (52) positioned adjacent the roof (28), an opposite lower edge (54), and front and rear edges (56 and 58) spaced apart along the upper and lower edges. The device (14) includes overlying panels secured together along the perimeter (50) to define an inflatable volume (34) and is free from association with an inflatable tube. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the device (14). A flexible elongated member (90) extends through the device (14) and is coiled around a portion (70) of the inflatable volume (34) of the device. The member (90) has a first end (92) and an opposite second end (94) fixed to the vehicle side structure (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: TRW IncInventors: Kenneth D. Brannon, Wael S. Elqadah, Timothy A. Swann, John P. O'Loughlin, James K. O'Docherty, Nathan R. Butters
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Patent number: 6431595Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises a storage container (30), a primary inflation fluid under pressure in a gaseous state in the container, and a secondary inflation fluid under pressure in the container. The container (30) is openable to enable the primary inflation fluid to flow out of the container into the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device (14). At least a portion of the secondary inflation fluid is in a non-gaseous state in the container (30) during flow of the primary inflation fluid into the inflatable device. The portion of the secondary inflation fluid in the non-gaseous state thereafter changing to the gaseous state and flowing into the inflatable device to maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Jess A. Cuevas, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Jack L. Blumenthal, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Bryan W. Shirk
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Patent number: 6431594Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). An autoignition mechanism (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ernst M. Faigle, Paul A. Bowers, Ivan L. Stonich, Brian R. Pitstick