With Source Of Inflation Fluid And Flow Control Means Thereof Patents (Class 280/736)
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Patent number: 7823919Abstract: An airbag inflator that includes a pyrotechnic material capable of producing a quantity of gas during deployment. The inflator also includes a filter. The filter may be an expanded metal filter that is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material. When this filter is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material, the filter forms a plurality of layers having holes that are a different size. This filter also includes a first set of barriers and a second set of barriers that are positioned exterior of the first set of barriers, the second set of barriers being offset from the first set of barriers. Gas passing through the filter will encounter the first set of barriers, be re-directed, encounter the second set of barriers, be re-directed, and then flow out of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Scott Jackson, Robert E. Lewis, Kevin Smith, Gary Smith, Gregory J. Lang
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Patent number: 7823911Abstract: A knee protecting air bag apparatus M1 is mounted to a column cover 16 for covering a column cover 16 for covering a steering column. In operating the apparatus M1, a contained air bag 45 is supplied with an expanding gas G and is projected from the column cover 16 to be able to protect the knee of a driver while being expanded to develop. The column cover 16 includes a door portion 34 opened by being pressed by the air bag to be able to form a projecting opening 22 of the air bag 45 at two left ad right side faces 18b, 18c from a side of a lower face 18a. Inside of the air bag 45 is arranged with a gas flow restricting member 64 such that the expanding gas G is made to flow to a left door portion 36 and a right door portion 37 of the door portion 34 by being directed in outer directions of both left and right sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichi Adachi, Kazuaki Bito, Osamu Fukawatase, Kenji Imamura, Akiyoshi Sanada
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Patent number: 7823918Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Finnigan, Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, James M. Payne, Donald E. Warren
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Patent number: 7823920Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable protection device (14) having an upper portion (60) and a lower portion (62) and an inflator (32) having inflation fluid outlets (33). The inflator (32) is actuatable to inflate the protection device (14). A retainer (70) includes a base portion (72) for clamping the inflator (32) to a support member (34). The retainer (70) further includes a cover portion (74) that has a deflector portion (86) and a top portion (88). The deflector portion (86) directs inflation fluid from the inflator (32) into the protection device (14) in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis (37) of the inflator (32).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: TRW Vehicle SAfety Systems Inc.Inventor: Wilfried Burghardt
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Publication number: 20100264632Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system having an airbag prevents an excessive force from acting upon the thorax of an occupant who has fastened the seat belt, in the event of an impact. The vehicle occupant safety system comprises an airbag, a sensor device for sensing at least one situation parameter and a control device for controlling the inflation and/or deflation and/or unfolding and/or positioning of the airbag in dependence of the at least one situation parameter. The unfolding, position or shape of the airbag and/or distribution of pressure within the airbag at the end of the filling phase, is directly or indirectly controlled in a targeted manner by a control device based on the at least one situation parameter. A modification of the shape of the airbag in the thorax region can be obtained in particular by a releasable constriction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Daimler AGInventors: Werner Bacher, Clark Ruedebusch
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Publication number: 20100253053Abstract: An inflator includes in a combustion chamber a first gas generating charge and a second gas generating charge to be ignited and burned to generate an inflation gas. The second gas generating charge is slower in speed of combustion than the first gas generating charge. The inflator further includes a partition wall that segregates the first and second gas generating charges. The partition wall is located away from an ignition area of an ignition device that ignites the first gas generating charge, with the first gas generating charge located between itself and the ignition area. The partition wall is burnable to destruction by the fire generated by combustion of the first gas generating charge so as to permit propagation of the fire to the second gas generating charge by its generally entire area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicants: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinichi Hayakawa, Toru Ozaki, Yasushi Masuda, Hiroyuki Ochi, Shinya Hasegawa, Hirotaka Mukunoki
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Publication number: 20100253054Abstract: An air bag system for a vehicle including an air bag in a folded state and installed in a vehicle. The air bag is inflated and expanded by gas from an inflator, which introduces gas into the air bag. A vent hole is formed in at least one base fabric piece of the air bag so as to establish a communication path between an inside and an outside of the air bag through which gas may be discharged from the inside toward the outside of the air bag. A blocking member is supported on the base fabric piece to block up the vent hole. A guide portion is provided to slidably support the blocking member and to restrict the position of the blocking member relative to the vent hole. A sliding resistance increasing portion is provided on at least either one of the guide portion and the blocking member, so as to increase a sliding resistance between the guide portion and the blocking member when the blocking member slides.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Chida, Makoto Nagai, Hiroyuki Nozaki
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Patent number: 7806429Abstract: An air bag assembly unit is provided for an occupant restraint systems in motor vehicles with an air bag, which is accommodated by an air bag housing and is to be filled with gas by the contents of a gas generator. The assembly unit includes a diffusor housing, which is arranged at the air bag housing, is connected to the air bag housing via gas passage openings, and in which the gas generator pushed in via an installation opening is fixed by a holding device. The holding device is formed from a fastening ring (7), which is arranged in the intermediate space (5) of the diffusor housing wall (8) and the gas generator wall (9), seals the intermediate space (5) by a sealing device (6) in a gas-tight manner and surrounds the gas generator (2) in a ring-shaped pattern. The fastening ring (7) is fixed at the diffusor housing wall (8) in a positive-locking manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Fangmann, Keit Wagener, Hans-Juergen Imken
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Patent number: 7806954Abstract: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc.Inventor: Eduardo L. Quioc
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Patent number: 7806436Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first enclosure containing a gas, and a second enclosure having a gas generant material contained therein. The second enclosure is operatively coupled to the first enclosure so as to enable fluid communication between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. After activation of the gas generating system, the gas in the first enclosure passes through the second enclosure prior to exiting the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Bruce A. Stevens, Donald B. Patterson, Robert M. Krupp, David M. McCormick
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Publication number: 20100244417Abstract: As ignition control patterns for a multi-stage inflator, a first control pattern for controlling a maximum internal pressure of an airbag in a deployed state to be a set pressure or higher and a second control pattern for controlling the maximum internal pressure of the airbag in a deployed state to the set pressure or lower are set to a control unit. A connecting band for partially limiting deployment of an airbag body in a side closer to an occupant protecting portion by connecting the side closer to a base and the side closer to the occupant protecting portion of the airbag body is provided to the airbag, and the strength of the connecting band is set such that the connecting band is to be torn when an internal pressure of the airbag in a deployed state reaches the set pressure or higher.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuharu YAMAZAKI
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Patent number: 7802812Abstract: A gas generating system (10) includes a housing (12), a first end closure (22) secured to the housing (12) for hermetically sealing a first end portion of the housing, and a first bore seal (26) formed separately from the first end closure (22) and secured to the first end closure (22) for mounting a first gas generant combustion initiation mechanism (24) therein. The gas generator (10) may include single-stage and/or dual-stage capability.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Mayville, Christopher T. Sledz
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Publication number: 20100230942Abstract: A gas generator comprising a housing having a mixing chamber and a pyrotechnic charge in the housing. A container having a liquid therein is disposed in the housing and has an open end and a closed end, with an end cap closing the open end and having a piston portion removably connected thereto and being movable within the liquid container to pressurize the liquid therein when the piston portion is separated from the end cap. The piston portion is positioned to be exposed to combustion gas from the pyrotechnic charge when it is ignited and is separable from the end cap when the combustion gas exceeds a predetermined pressure. In another embodiment, the liquid container may be a collapsible tube. The closed end of the liquid container has a weakened portion constructed to be opened when the pressure of the liquid in the container exceeds a predetermined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: ARC Automotive, Inc.Inventors: James Michael Rose, Lawrence Edward Herriford, Stephen Craig Gold, Brian Orgyle Thomas, Judah Lee Wilkins, Robb Calvin Isbell
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Publication number: 20100230941Abstract: A restraining system includes a restraining volume that is bounded by a cladding, and is deployable by expansion of the restraining volume, to restrain or protect an object or person. Deployment of the restraining volume by expanding it into a restraining position is performed by a mechanical enlarging unit, rather than by a pyrotechnic gas generator, so that the restraining system may be restored to a storage position following a deployment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: DAIMLER AGInventors: Andreas Hirth, Lutz Quarg, Friedrich Reiter, Clark Ruedebusch
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Publication number: 20100225098Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag, the airbag comprising a tubular area and a filling piece for filling the airbag with gas of a gas generator, wherein the filling piece is formed by putting-over the tubular area of the airbag. In one embodiment, the filling piece is formed by putting-over the tubular area of the airbag in the longitudinal direction, wherein an end of the put-over tubular area faces the airbag interior and said end of the put-over tubular area comprises one or several openings which are arranged to distribute gas inflowing from a gas generator in a targeted manner into the airbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Peter Baumgartner, Thomas Steck, Markus Leifheit
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Patent number: 7784829Abstract: A gas generator, relating to a gas generator for a side air bag or the like, is provided. The gas generator has an inner cylindrical member is stored in a housing, wherein the inner cylindrical member has a second outside diameter portion abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and a first outside diameter portion smaller in outside diameter than the second outside diameter portion, the tip end of the first outside diameter portion side abuts against the closed end portion (one end portion) of the housing, the filter is provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical member in the radial direction of the first outside diameter portion, and the ignition means is provided on the opposite end portion (the other end) from the closed end portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masoto Hirooka, Naoki Matsuda, Kenji Numoto
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Publication number: 20100207368Abstract: An airbag module including an airbag, an airbag covering, that defines an interior space of the airbag, that can be filled with gas for inflating the airbag, a gas generator for providing the gas needed for inflating the airbag, an insertion opening of the airbag covering, wherein the gas generator is inserted through the insertion opening into the interior space of the airbag, so that gas provided by the gas generator enters the interior space of the airbag, a boundary region of the insertion opening delimiting the insertion opening, which boundary region annularly encompasses the gas generator, and a sealing means for sealing the insertion opening. The sealing means is arranged between the boundary region and the gas generator so that the sealing means is widened by the gas provided by the gas generator and pressed against the boundary region of the insertion opening for sealing the insertion opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Christian Weyrich
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Patent number: 7775554Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (24) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). An inflator (30) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). A support member (80) supports the inflator (30) and the protection device (14). A retainer (120) helps secure the protection device (14) to the support member (80). At least one vent opening (132) formed in the retainer (120) enables flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device (14) through the support member (80).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Smydra, Annmarie McMillan, Molly K. Koenig, Ramakrishnan Srinivasan
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Publication number: 20100201109Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernandez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hansel
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Patent number: 7770923Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure of an inflater inside cylinder for an air bag for a vehicle, which lengthens the discharge course for gas generated from the inflater inside cylinder, thus preventing injury or damage due to high-temperature and high-pressure gas, and which is convenient to manufacture, is light, and has a low manufacturing cost thereof. According to the present invention, the air bag includes an outside cylinder and an inside cylinder, each having in a circumferential surface thereof a plurality of holes. In this case, the inside cylinder includes at least two cylindrical embossed steel plates, the plurality of holes being formed in embossed parts of the cylindrical embossed steel plates, which protrude outward or inwards from circumferential surfaces of the embossed steel plates so as to extend a gas discharge course. A mesh net is provided between the at least two cylindrical embossed steel plates.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Dae Ah Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hee Sok Woo
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Patent number: 7762580Abstract: Airbag inflator system includes an inflatable airbag, a flexible housing, and a gas generating system for generating gas which is directed from the housing to the interior of the airbag. The housing may be made by an extrusion process to provide it with its flexible cl of plastic. An aspirating structure or nozzle may be arranged between the gas generating system and an interior of the airbag, which nozzle is varied as a function of temperature. The aspirating structure or arrangement enables air from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to mix with the generated gas prior to being directed into the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David S. Breed
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Patent number: 7763092Abstract: A filter for a gas generator in which the manufacture is simple, which has an adequate filter performance and cooling performance and, furthermore, which has high reliability with little damage caused in actuation of the gas generator, is provided. The filter for an air bag gas generator comprises a first layer formed from helically wound wire rods having a cross-sectional area of 0.03 to 0.8 mm2, in such a way that the pitch angle of wire rods vertically superposed in the radial direction is symmetrical, and a second layer that exists on the outer side of the first layer in the radial direction and is formed to have a finer filter particle size than the first layer using a wire rod narrower than the wire rod that forms the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignees: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., Fuji Filter Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Koyama, Naoki Matsuda, Masato Hirooka, Masayuki Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7762585Abstract: A baffle system (30) for use in a gas generating system (10). The baffle system (30) includes a plurality of adjacent plates (82a, 82b, 86), each plate of the plurality of adjacent plates having at least one through orifice formed therein. Each orifice in any given plate of the plurality of adjacent plates (82a, 82b, 86) is in fluid communication with at least one orifice in each plate adjacent the given plate so as to provide at least one gas flow path extending through the plurality of adjacent plates. A gas generating system (10) incorporating the baffle system (30), and a vehicle occupant protection system (180) incorporating the gas generating system (10), are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Donald B. Patterson, Scott A. Mason
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Publication number: 20100181746Abstract: A passenger airbag module that includes an airbag and a tubular inflator. The tubular inflator produces a quantity of inflation gas sufficient to inflate the airbag. The module also includes a housing that receives the inflator; and a retainer positioned within the airbag. The retainer clamps the airbag and the inflator to the housing, thereby creating a retainer/housing assembly having an annular gap proximate the inflator, the gap allowing the gas to exit the inflator and enter the airbag. In some situations, the gap will gap circumscribe the inflator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Charles Peter Caruso, JR.
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Patent number: 7758070Abstract: An inflator for a restraining system for a vehicle includes: an inflator housing storing a gas generation source, a diffuser having a plurality of gas discharge holes for discharging gas provided within the inflator housing, a gas discharge channel member including a gas outlet port and being attached to cover an outer surface of the diffuser, the gas discharge channel member having a gas-introducing port communicating with at least one of the gas discharge holes and a pin-introducing port communicating with at least one of the remaining gas discharge holes, and the diffuser and the gas discharge channel member, fixed by a fixing pin inserted into both of the at least one of the remaining gas discharge holes and the pin-introducing port.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
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Patent number: 7748737Abstract: A method of inflating an airbag with a fluid includes sending a signal to open a first valve and opening the first valve. The method also includes directing a control pressure through the first valve and toward a second valve. The method further includes throttling the second valve in response to the control pressure. The throttling of the second valve produces a variable inflation mass flow rate of the fluid at a second valve outlet. Opening the first valve and closing the first valve are performed as a step function to achieve a desired predetermined variable inflation mass flow rate of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ian Brewster Hall, Paul Simmons, Yan Fu
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Patent number: 7749339Abstract: An airbag inflator bottle member comprising a tubular body having a reduced-diameter portion at an end portion for fitting an initiator or the like thereto in which the reduced-diameter portion has a good low temperature toughness comparable to that of the portion which is not reduced in diameter is manufactured by the following method. A steel tube having a composition comprising C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.10-2.0%, Cr: 0.05-2.0%, sol. Al: at most 0.10%, Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, optionally one or more elements selected from Cu: at most 1.0%, Ni: at most 1.5%, Mo: at most 1.0%, V: at most 0.2%, Nb: at most 0.1%, and Ti: at most 0.1%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities in which P: at most 0.025% and S: at most 0.010% is subjected to cold working, then it is cut to a predetermined length, and the cut steel tube is subjected to reducing in at least one end portion thereof and then to quenching and tempering.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Takano
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Patent number: 7748730Abstract: Deployment performance of an airbag may be improved by improving an air tightness of an leg airbag system that includes a knee airbag for restraining occupant's legs and a gas generator that generates a jet of gas to inflate the knee airbag. An end of the gas generator is connected to a gas generator ignition control cable and passes through an insertion opening. The insertion opening has an area smaller than a cross section area of the end of the gas generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Daisuke Kashiwagi
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Publication number: 20100164208Abstract: A diffuser (50) for use in an air bag system, the diffuser comprising: a connector part (52) configured to be connected to an air bag inflator, the connector part including a side wall (53); and a gas distribution part formed as an integral extension of the connector part and configured to deliver gas from the connector part to the air bag (150), and the distribution part including a first conduit (60) and a second conduit (70), the two conduits configured to give the diffuser a low profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventor: Bruce A. Kalandek
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Patent number: 7744124Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus provided with an igniter assembly including: an igniter main body having an ignition portion, provided with an ignition agent, and an electroconductive pin, a resin portion surrounding at least part of the igniter main body and a substantially cylindrical igniter collar fixed to an outer surface of the resin portion, the igniter assembly being disposed in an opening formed in a bottom portion of a housing, the igniter collar of the igniter assembly being fixed to the housing, the igniter collar fixing to the resin portion y deforming the igniter collar so as to engage the igniter collar with a concave portion in the resin portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20100156073Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a passenger automobile, is provided with a vehicle body, at least one head airbag and one gas generator for filling the head airbag. The gas generator being fastened to an element of the vehicle body that extends essentially in the vehicle transverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Ulrich RICK
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Publication number: 20100156072Abstract: A head airbag module for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger automobile, is provided with a head airbag and a receptacle, which receives the folded head airbag. The head airbag having a gas channel and an airbag, and the head airbag module being implemented so that the head airbag is essentially completely freed from the receptacle by filling of the gas channel, before the airbag is filled.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Ulrich RICK
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Patent number: 7740273Abstract: Airbag inflator system includes an inflatable airbag, a housing and a gas generating system arranged in the housing for generating gas. The gas generating system provides variable amounts of gas to the airbag as a function of temperature. A nozzle may be arranged between the gas generating system and an interior of the airbag, the nozzle being varied as a function of temperature. The housing may be movably arranged relative to a fixed base and mounted to vary its relation to the base. To this end, elastic or temperature-deformable supports may be used to support the housing on the base. When the housing defines a chamber containing generated gas, the properties of a conduit between the chamber and the interior of the airbag can be varied as function of the pressure in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David S. Breed
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Patent number: 7739957Abstract: An inflator 10 of the present invention contains: a housing 12, a cold gas chamber 16 within the housing 12 for storage of a stored gas supply, a pyrotechnic chamber 18 within the housing 12, a pyrotechnic charge 20 within the pyrotechnic chamber 18, a wall 22 adjoining the cold gas and the pyrotechnic chambers 16, 18, a first orifice 24 defined in the wall 22 for passage of gas between the chambers, and a perforated flexible member 28 contained within the cold gas chamber 16, wherein the flexible member 28 is fixed about the orifice 24 for modulation or controlled variation of gas flow through the orifice 24.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Donald B. Patterson, Bruce A. Stevens
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Publication number: 20100148480Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernàndez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hänsel
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Publication number: 20100148481Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernàndez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hänsel
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Patent number: 7733228Abstract: A wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin. The system generates control signals which activate an alarm, open the doors of the vehicle and roll down windows if the child is left in the safety seat of an unattended vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kinman Lee, Daniel Ray Spach, Prasanna Srinivasan, Darren Paul Umstead
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Patent number: 7731232Abstract: A vehicle airbag device in which an airbag is deployed by gas emitted by an inflator. The airbag has a pocket part, which is formed in a lower surface of the airbag and passes over an upper end of an obstacle. An introduction tube for introducing gas emitted by the inflator into the airbag extends into the airbag. When the airbag is deploying, but an obstacle prevents the airbag from doing so, a distal end part of the introduction tube will be blocked off, and the gas will be released to the exterior through a gas release part.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 7726685Abstract: An airbag and airbag apparatus in which a venthole is closed or opened by a small amount until an occupant hits the airbag, and the venthole is opened or opened by a large amount when the occupant hits the airbag. Inner panels 22A and 22B are provided inside of an airbag 10. Ventholes 18 and 18A allowing an inside and an outside of the airbag 10 to communicate with each other are provided in a rear panel 14. A lid member 60 for covering the venthole is provided on an outer surface side of the rear panel 14. The venthole 18A is a constantly-open type venthole that is not covered by means of the lid member 60. A tether 70 couples the lid member 60 with the inner panels 22A and 22B through the constantly-open type venthole 18A.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
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Patent number: 7726687Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Isaac L. Hoffman, Kirk Rasmussen, Bradley W. Smith
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Patent number: 7721915Abstract: A dual stage hybrid inflation device includes a first stage gas source including a liquefied gas stored in a first stage pressure vessel and a second stage gas source including a gas generator having a gas output directed into the first stage pressure vessel. The gas generator is isolated from the first stage pressure vessel by a frangible diaphragm that ruptures when the pressure in the gas generator exceeds the pressure in the first stage pressure vessel by a predetermined amount. The gas generator is also isolated from the first stage pressure vessel by an eroding nozzle that temporarily restricts the flow of gas from the gas generator to the first stage pressure vessel after the frangible diaphragm ruptures. The eroding nozzle initially restricts the flow of gas from the gas generator to the first stage pressure vessel to prevent a sudden pressure drop in the gas generator that would cause the pyrotechnic gas generating material to self extinguish.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Bock, Gregory L. Wiebers
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Patent number: 7712778Abstract: A new type of inflator that may be used to inflate an airbag is disclosed. The inflator will have a longitudinal axis, a first chamber, and a filter. The filter may be positioned outside of the first chamber. A first quantity of gas generant is positioned within the first chamber. A first strainer having a plurality of gas flow holes is also positioned within the first chamber. The first quantity of gas generant is located exterior of the strainer. Upon combustion of the first quantity of gas generant produces a first quantity of gas that flows towards the longitudinal axis while passing through the gas flow holes, enters the filter, and then flows away from the longitudinal axis while passing through the filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
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Patent number: 7708798Abstract: A filter is provided defining an enclosure having a volume that is resiliently variable responsive to an internal pressure within the enclosure. A gas generating system, an airbag system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Krupp, Donald B. Patterson
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Publication number: 20100090450Abstract: A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module is disclosed herein, the control device having a releasable retention device releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location and an actuator at a second location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator; and a venting system disposed within and comprising a portion of the inflatable cushion, the venting system providing at least one vent opening in the inflatable cushion when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator and the inflatable cushion is inflated by an inflation gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: James L. Webber
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Patent number: 7695009Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag comprises a single gas bottle (1) containing the pressurised gas. The pressurised gas is a mixture including at least one oxidisable gas and at least one oxidising gas. The inflator incorporates a mechanism (20) to open the gas bottle to enable gas to flow from the gas bottle to the interior of an air-bag (13). There is an initiating device (30) within the air-bag in the form of a spark generator which generates a spark across electrodes (31) to ignite the mixture of gas from the gas bottle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Mats Johanson, Bjön Svärd, Peter Qvint
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Patent number: 7692024Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R3—R1—R2, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound is contained within a gas generant composition, within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Sudhakar R. Ganta, Graylon K. Williams, Cory G. Miller
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Patent number: 7690680Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernàndez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hänsel
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Patent number: 7686333Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag cushion structure with variable inner vent holes, which has at least two chambers into which an inflation gas is delivered from an inflator. According to the airbag cushion structure, safe inflation performance of an airbag is maximized in an early inflation by increasing the size of inner vent holes, passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag is secured in the latter inflation by decreasing the size of the inner vent holes. Further, it is possible to improve both the safe inflation performance and passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag when a passenger-contact portion of the airbag cushion that contacts with the passenger's head and chest is close to a region of the airbag cushion that inflates, such as a crash pad with an airbag cushion, by increasing the size of the inner vent holes and decreasing the size of the inner vent holes around a region where the passenger-contact portion contacts the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyeongho Choi
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Patent number: 7686329Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes an airbag that may be inflated for restraining a person, at least one outlet opening for releasing gas out of the module and originating at least partially from the inflated airbag, and a reservoir containing coolant for cooling the gas released from the module through the outlet opening. The reservoir includes a wall that sealingly encloses the coolant and is opened to bring the coolant into direct contact with the released gas to cool the released gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Dirk Meissner, Axel Heym, Andreas Pradel, Thomas Lube, Gudrun Schliecker
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Patent number: 7681909Abstract: An airbag device according to the invention is applicable to an airbag device having an airbag that is housed in a state of being able to inflate and deploy in front of an occupant. The airbag has a center chamber positioned in the vicinity of the center on the occupant side in a deployed state, and side chambers positioned on both the left and right sides of the center chamber. Moreover the airbag is provided with a gas supply section that supplies inflation gas to inside of the side chambers, and a means for introducing inflation gas to inside of the center chamber after the side chamber. Furthermore, the side chamber has; a gas introduction space into which inflation gas from the gas supply section is introduced, an upper space that extends upward from the gas introduction space, and a lower space that extends downward from the gas introduction space.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Takashi Idomoto, Takeshi Ohwada, Yutaka Tsuchida, Hiroya Tabushi, Chihiro Ito, Yosuke Shimizu, Shinobu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5211273Abstract: A unidirectional clutch of the hyperboloidal type is provided having an inner race member defining an inner race surface, an outer race member defining an outer race surface and a plurality of thrust transmitting cylindrical rollers therebetween. Each of the rollers makes line contact with the inner race surface and line contact with the outer race surface along generators of these surfaces. A biasing member is provided for biasing the inner and outer race surfaces axially toward one another to maintain the rollers in line contact with both inner and outer race surfaces. The inner race member is connected to a driven member and the outer race member is connected to a driving member. Torque is transmitted between the driven and driving members causing the biasing member to impose a net axial force on the inner race member tending to urge the inner and outer race surfaces toward one another axially.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Hybo Science, Inc.Inventor: Rudolf R. Castens