Abstract: An anti-recoil assembly may include a housing, a shaft, and an energy attenuator. The housing generally defines a cavity, with the housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, according to various embodiments. The shaft may be at least partially disposed within the cavity, and the shaft may be configured to move within the cavity in a first direction from the first end portion to the second end portion. In various embodiments, the energy attenuator is disposed within the cavity at the second end portion. In response to movement of the shaft in the first direction, the energy attenuator is configured to inhibit the shaft from recoiling in a second direction opposite the first direction, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: The device contains an energy absorbing element in a form of at least two parallel machinable rods placed at a distance from one another, and at least one thrust element used to transmit a tractive force between the machining unit and the rods. The device also features a tool mounting plate, forming a part of the machining unit, seated on the rods via guiding holes. A mounting plate is fastened on the rods and placed at a distance from the tool mounting plate.

Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a monolithic anchor having a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate, and a spring connecting the first plate to the second plate. The first plate has a webbing mount. The second plate has a vehicle mount.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device has a rod with a part, suitable for cutting by surrounding cutting tools mounted in a body sleeve and oriented to the inside. In addition, the rod has an angular guiding part passing into the part suitable for cutting and is pivoted in a support, wherein the body sleeve with the attached cutting tools is connected by breakable elements with the support.

Abstract: A fall arrest apparatus comprises a rod (5) adapted at a first end region thereof to be attached to a structure (3), and an energy absorber (11) attached to a second end region of the rod. The energy absorber includes an attachment point (33) for further fall arrest means and an energy absorbing rip zone (41) which tears to absorb energy when subject to a force in excess of a threshold.

Abstract: A device for absorbing kinetic energy includes a first stationary component and a second component that can be moved in relation to the first component, wherein at least one of the components converts energy by plastic deformation when a certain force level is exceeded, and comprising a coupling apparatus, which operatively connects the first component and the second component in such a way that the two components can be moved in relation to each other only with low energy conversion when the coupling apparatus is not activated and forces can be transmitted from one component to the other component when the coupling apparatus is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a composite structural aircraft transmission support link having an integral energy-absorbing feature is disclosed. The link is a two-force member that can carry structural loads up an ultimate load. When loaded beyond ultimate load the design allows sections of the link to fail in a controlled and progressive manner, so that energy is absorbed over a defined stroking distance.

Abstract: An energy absorber including a strap including at least a first path of relatively reduced strength extending over at least a portion of the length of the strap. The energy absorber also includes at least a first transition region including a first initial point where tearing begins along the first transition region when a force above a threshold force is applied (to the energy absorber/strap) and a first end point. The first end point is in operative connection with a first point on the first path so that tearing continues along the first path after tearing along the first transition region. A gradual increase in load occurring as tearing occurs along the transition region.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle seat belt includes a rotatably supported belt reel (12) from which webbing can be unwound, a force limiting means which in a force limiting phase permits controlled webbing extension in the webbing extension direction when the belt reel (12) is blocked and a particular force threshold is exceeded, and a change-over device for carrying out a change-over operation before and/or during the force limiting phase in which it is changed from a first force level to a second force level. The change-over device includes a control means adapted to trigger or inhibit the change-over operation at least in response to the recognition of an installed child safety seat (34).

Abstract: A sliding sleeve for frac operations or the like has a housing, a sleeve, and a shock absorber. The sleeve is movable within the housing's internal passage relative to flow ports. The shock absorber, which can have a cylindrical body, positions partially in the sleeve's internal passage and has a distal end that extends beyond the sleeve. A lip on the sleeve's end is engageable with the internal shoulder. When a ball is dropped on the sleeve's ball seat and pumped fluid forces the sleeve to an open position, the shock absorber absorbs the movement of the sleeve. To absorber the movement, the shock absorber breaks one or more shear pin connections with the sleeve, interposes its lip between the sleeve's distal end and the internal shoulder, and fractures at least a portion of its distal end from the impact with the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy absorbing apparatus for a steering column. The energy absorbing apparatus includes a first member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a second member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The second member is disposed for collapsing telescoping movement with the first member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a bushing extending annularly between the first member and the second member. The bushing is fixed to one of the first member and the second member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes at least one projection integrally formed with the bushing and extending longitudinally and radially along the side wall of the one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating shock load in a parachute delivery system has at least one strip of material having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a predetermined length. The apparatus also has a piercing member having a first portion for piercing through the strip of material and a second portion that defines an opening. The strip of material passes through the opening in the piercing member. The first end of the strip of material is configured to be attached to parachute suspension lines. In a preferred embodiment, the strip of material is a strip of woven webbing. When a predetermined tensile force acts upon the strip of material and the piercing member such that the first end of the strip of woven webbing is pulled in one direction and the piercing member is pulled in an opposite direction, tension is produced which causes the piercing member to stretch and break the lateral fibers of the strip of woven webbing.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy absorber for use in a horizontal lifeline system comprising an elongated non-elastic plate folded onto itself to form adjoining lower wall portions, adjoining intermediate wall portions perpendicular to the said lower wall portions, and opposed flanges in perpendicular relationship to said intermediate wall portions. The opposed flanges have means for receiving connecting devices of the horizontal lifeline cable and an end anchor of the horizontal lifeline system. The adjoining lower and intermediate wall portions are secured together with a plurality of distinct fasteners such that when a tension shock load produced in the horizontal lifeline cable by arresting a fall acts in the longitudinal direction of one of the opposed flanges, the fasteners deform, pull apart and fracture, and the plate transforms into an unfolded state.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: A mounting for a power unit for motor vehicles, comprises a support and a support plate fixed thereto, which may be detached in the case of a collision, whereby the support plate is connected to the support in a number of places. A power unit mounting may be achieved which guarantees a steady deceleration, whereby a separating device is provided, which separates the support plate from the support. The separating device can be a part of the support plate or fixed thereto and is forced between support plate and support in the case of a collision.

Abstract: A crush control system for controlling the crush of spaced vehicle side composite structural rails in the event of either a full frontal impact or an offset frontal impact includes a crush controller for each side rail. An actuator is provided to move crush initiators between an inoperative position, which will cause an uncontrolled crush of the rail, and a deployed operative position, which will cause a controlled crush of the rail at half the crush force as an uncontrolled crush. In one embodiment each crush controller is normally inoperative and is controlled by a sensor for each located on the opposite side of the vehicle to become operative when the sensor is impacted. The crush initiators may take the form of a radiused wedge or a knife cutter, and the actuator maintains the crush initiators in deployed position to sustain the controlled crush.

Abstract: A crashworthy seat comprises a sitting platform and a back. The sitting platform is supported by a frame adapted to be secured to the aircraft. The frame has upright members supporting the back of the sitting platform for vertical sliding movement under controlled resistance provided by an energy absorbing mechanism which comprises an elongate member extending along each upright and a cooperating cutting or deforming tool carried by the seat back. In a crash situation, the sitting platform slides downwardly under controlled resistance provided by the cutting tool cutting a shaving from the elongate member or by the deforming tool deforming the elongate member.

Abstract: A spool sleeve (78) is rotatable in webbing withdrawal and webbing retraction directions (A, B). A lock pawl (122) engageable with a ratchet wheel (114), stops rotation of the spool sleeve (78) in the webbing withdrawal direction (A). The spool sleeve (78) is rotatable relative to the ratchet wheel (114) upon the occurrence of tension in webbing (16) above a predetermined amount. A cutter (94) is located radially within the spool sleeve (78) for cutting the spool sleeve (78) when the spool sleeve (78) rotates relative to the stopped ratchet wheel (114). In one preferred embodiment, the cutter (220) includes a portion (226) which is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis (164) of the spool sleeve (192) to cause the cutter (220) to move axially relative to the spool sleeve. In another preferred embodiment, the spool sleeve (284, 286) is comprised of a plurality of pieces fitted together to extend around the axis (164).

Abstract: In a pyrotechnic linear piston and cylinder drive in a belt pretensioner, the cylinder (10) has a frustoconical free end (12) and the piston (14) is attached to the end of a cable (16). The piston (14) is tapered frustoconically at its end adjacent to the free end (12) of the cylinder (10). An annular piston member (22) is slipped over and frictionally engaged with the tapered end portion (20) of the piston (14). When the annular piston member (22) reaches the frustoconical free end (12) of the cylinder (10), the piston (14) is forced further into the annular piston member, deforming both parts and dissipating energy.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises vehicle seat belt webbing (26) which is extensible about a vehicle occupant. A first member (60) is connectable to the vehicle and a second member (90) is connected to the belt webbing (26). An energy absorbing mechanism (70) disposed between the first and second members (60, 90) dissipates energy transferred to the belt webbing (26) due to movement of a vehicle occupant against the belt webbing (26) in response to vehicle deceleration. The mechanism (70) includes a cutter block (75) disposed on one of the members (60, 90) for cutting into the material of the other of the members when an occupant presses against the belt webbing (26) in response to vehicle deceleration with a force above a predetermined magnitude. A first sensor (102) senses an occupant characteristic, such as the weight of the occupant. A second sensor (104) senses another occupant characteristic, such as the location of the occupant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt pretensioner for vehicle safety belt systems comprising a pyrotechnic gas generator (12) and a piston and cylinder unit (16, 20) mounted in a housing block (14). The piston (20) of the piston and cylinder unit (16, 20) is arranged on a first end (161) of the cylinder (16) as well as being connected with a cable (22) and it is accelerated towards the second end (162), which has a constriction, of the cylinder (16) by the gas pressure produced by the gas generator (12). The piston and cylinder unit (16, 20) with the housing block (14) and the gas generator (12) mounted therein constitute a pivotally bearinged vehicle-sensitive inertial mass. In accordance with the invention a deformable member (46) is arranged on the piston (20) and on acceleration of the piston (20) is entrained towards the second end (162) of the cylinder (16) by the piston (20) and on impingement on the wall parts of the cylinder (16) constituting the constriction is plastically deformed.

Abstract: An impact absorber between a bumper and the base of a vehicle has ribs which progressively shear away against the flange during impact, this flange being originally connected and in one piece with the cylindrical body formed with the ribs and being separated therefrom by a weakened zone defined by an annular groove or notch formed in the weakened zone opposite the end of the body connected to the bumper.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed which comprises a pair of offset shafts and an extrudable housing. One of the shafts is generally fixed with respect to the vehicle and includes a first gear, a second gear and the other shaft includes in rotational driving engagement with the first gear on the one shaft for steering the vehicle and is movable with respect to the one shaft in response to an axial load imposed on the steering column arrangement. The energy of the axial load is absorbed when the second gear extrudes through the housing. In an alternative embodiment, one of the shafts includes a first gear and the other shaft includes a second gear in rotational driving engagement with the first gear to transfer rotation between the shafts, one of the gears having teeth with a width greater than the teeth of the other gear to allow the length of the steering column to be adjusted according to the driver's preference.

Abstract: A simple yet reliable apparatus is disclosed for dissipating sudden impacts or applications of force. Sudden impacts are dissipated through the sequential shearing of rods or pins anchored perpendicularly to the incoming force and through the compression and evacuation of gel through holes or valves in a cylinder. By varying the diameter and length of the cylinder, pistons, the number size and composition of shear pins, the number and size of restriction holes and or the amount of gel, the system can reliably dissipate impacts within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a wireline instrument, the shock absorber having solid, cylindrical upper body, a cylindrical sleeve, and a mandrel. The mandrel has a hexagonal upper portion, a circular center portion, and a lower nose portion. A bolt connects the mandrel to the upper body, so that the mandrel can move telescopically within the sleeve, but cannot fall out of the sleeve. Three carbide cutting elements are mounted on the sleeve adjacent to alternate sides of the upper portion of the mandrel for cutting chips of material off of the sides of the mandrel as the mandrel is moved into the sleeve.

Abstract: An energy absorber is provided. The energy absorber includes a thin panel (78) formed of composite materials (84) for reacting compression forces in the plane of the panel (78) between two opposed edges thereof. The panel (78) is constructed to resist overall bending failure when force is applied to the opposite edges. The energy absorber further includes force receiving structure (90, 92) for receiving forces directly to one of the edges and for receiving forces to the opposite edge of the panel (78) to initiate local folding parallel to the other edge for progressing crushing and local folding of the panel (78).

Abstract: A device is described which operates as a "mechanical fuse" in a guy arrangement such that when loading forces on the guyed structure exceed a predetermined level, the device will add length to the guy arrangement. The device includes two plates coupled by a hinge bolt and a shear bolt. When the force exceeds the predetermined level, the shear bolt is severed by the plates allowing the plates to "scissors" open about the hinge bolt.

Abstract: An assembly for absorbing energy between first and second bodies subject to relative movement comprising a cutting ring on one of the bodies dimensioned to cut into and remove a layer from a cylindrical member on the other body. The ring has an annular cutting edge with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder member. The two bodies can be, for example, two tubes forming a coupling device between two railroad cars. The outer surface of the cylindrical member can have longitudinal grooves to promote small chip formation during the cutting operation, thereby reducing the chance of jamming.

Abstract: A load control link for limiting maximum dynamic loads in and preventing overstressing of tension members by absorbing some of the energy which causes such loads. The load control link comprises a cylindrical housing, a metal sleeve mounted over a shaft within the housing and a cutting collar mounted at one end of the housing and around the sleeve. The inside radius of the cutting collar is slightly less than the outside radius of the sleeve, and is shaped as a cutting edge. The load control link is connected in series with a tension carrying member, with the end of the shaft which extends through the cutting sleeve connected at one end, and the opposite end of the housing connected at the other end. As the tension load on the control link increases, the shaft tends to be withdrawn from the housing causing metal to be cut from the surface of the sleeve by the cutting collar. The shaft remains stationary in the housing as long as the tension load remains lower than that required to cut metal.

Abstract: A load control link for limiting maximum dynamic loads in and preventing overstressing of tension members by absorbing some of the energy which causes such loads. The load control link comprises a cylindrical housing, a metal sleeve mounted over a shaft within the housing and a cutting collar mounted at one end of the housing and around the sleeve. The inside radius of the cutting collar is slightly less than the outside radius of the sleeve, and is shaped as a cutting edge. The load control link is connected in series with a tension carrying member, with the end of the shaft which extends through the cutting sleeve connected at one end, and the opposite end of the housing connected at the other end. As the tension load on the control link increases, the shaft tends to be withdrawn from the housing causing metal to be cut from the surface of the sleeve by the cutting collar. The shaft remains stationary in the housing as long as the tension load remains lower than that required to cut metal.