With Source Of Inflation Fluid And Flow Control Means Thereof Patents (Class 280/736)
  • Patent number: 7584993
    Abstract: In an airbag (2), a length extending from a sewn portion (10) to a right periphery of a presser plate (13) is set such that a length (L1) is shorter than a length (L2) wherein the length (L2) is at an attachment side base cloth (3) side and the length (L1) is at a cloth-like piece (9) side. When the airbag (2) is expanded in emergency situations, the attachment side base cloth (3) is expanded while it moves away outwardly from the cloth-like piece (9), thereby opening a vent hole (8), so that the airbag (2) is eased in abrupt expansion directing toward an occupant. When the airbag (2) becomes a sufficient size to protect the occupant, it bends instantaneously a retaining plate (17) to release the parallel portion (9B) of the cloth-like piece (9) from the presser plate (13), so that the cloth-like piece (9) is brought into intimate contact with the attachment side base cloth (3) to close the vent hole (8), thereby protecting the occupant with reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaji, Hidetaka Azuma
  • Publication number: 20090218795
    Abstract: An airbag device includes a bag element. The bag element includes a bag body that has a hole portion; and a tube vent that is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The tube vent has a proximal end connected to the bag body along the hole portion and is rolled up from a distal end of the tube vent toward a proximal end of the tube vent. The tube vent is unrolled as the bag body is inflated and deployed, and discharges gas from the bag body when the distal end extends outside the bag body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Shuji Yamada, Yasushi Itou
  • Patent number: 7581750
    Abstract: A rear window curtain airbag device comprises an airbag placed at the portion near the upper edge of the rear window, an inflator to inject gas for the airbag, and a connecting pipe to supply the gas injected from the inflator to the airbag. Accordingly, the passenger's protection can be further improved by properly preventing part of the passenger's body from getting out of the rear window when the vehicle having the rear window being located above the seat back is rolled over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Motoharu Hirata, Akihiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090212538
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an outer shell forming an airbag and having a vent hole, a restriction member for restricting gas flow through the vent hole, a first chamber having the vent hole, a second chamber, the inner panel partitioning the airbag into the first and second chambers and having a communication portion, and a tether member for connecting the restriction member and the inner panel. Gas is introduced into the first chamber and then into the second chamber. When the first chamber is filled with gas and the inner panel is tensioned, the tension exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the restriction member so that the vent hole is substantially closed. When the first chamber is not filled with gas and the inner panel loosens, the tension applied to the restriction member does not reach the predetermined value so that the vent hole is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20090212545
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle. The airbag module includes an airbag. The airbag includes an airbag sleeve enclosing an interior of the airbag. The airbag module further comprises a module receptacle on which the airbag is accommodated as an airbag package, a top surface, and a cover extending along the top surface. When the airbag module is installed, the top surface is arranged such that it faces the associated seat. At least one layer of the airbag forming a component of the airbag sleeve extends in front of the outer surface of the cover facing the seat. Components of the airbag module arranged in front of the outer surface of the cover, insofar as they are not located between the outer surface of the cover and the at least one airbag layer, remain connected to the airbag sleeve during inflation of the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Christian Schreiber, Andreas Pradel, Kazuhiro Abe
  • Patent number: 7578522
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including a housing formed by a closure shell and a diffuser shell having a gas discharge port, a combustion chamber provided inside the housing and charged with a gas generating agent, an ignition device to ignite and burn the gas generating agent inside the combustion chamber, a cylindrical filter disposed to face the gas discharge port and having an annular upper surface press-contacting a ceiling surface of the housing, a retainer disposed inside the combustion chamber to support the cylindrical filter, the retainer being substantially a cylinder, having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion, that is provided with a vent hole, as well as an annular surface portion provided between the larger diameter portion and the smaller diameter portion, an outer peripheral surface of the larger diameter portion abutting against an inner wall surface of the housing before activation and press-contacting the inner wall surface of the housing in activa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teppei Hanano, Takashi Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20090200775
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a seat-mounted occupant restraining apparatus with which it becomes possible to set so that pressurized fluid is supplied in accordance with priority to a plurality of airbags extending to substantially peripheral portions of an occupant when inflated, and a gas supply means for supplying in common the pressurized fluid is enabled to be simplified. [Solving Means] A seat-mounted occupant restraining apparatus includes a backrest portion 1B, a pair of side airbags 11a, 11b each provided in the backrest portion 1B so as to extend to the side portions of an occupant 2 when inflated, an inflator 13 for supplying gas in common to the plurality of side airbags 11a, 11b, and gas supply holes 15a, 15b, which set the priority of gas supply to the plurality of side airbags 11a, 11b via the inflator 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Sugimoto, Akifumi Takedomi
  • Publication number: 20090200777
    Abstract: An air bag module, comprising: an inflatable cushion being configured for deployment from the air bag module; an inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion, the inflator comprising a first initiator for initiating a first stage of inflation and a second initiator for use with the first initiator for initiating a second stage of inflation, the first stage of inflation providing a first inflation output to the inflatable cushion and the second stage producing a second inflation output to the inflatable cushion, the second inflation output being greater than the first inflation output; a deployable member, the deployable member being deployed in a first direction either before or during the first stage of inflation; and wherein unobstructed deployment of the deployable member in the first direction will cause an activation signal to be sent to the second initiator to initiate the second stage of inflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Jason W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7568729
    Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a tube that may be restricted to prevent gas venting. A cord having a plurality of stoppers is coupled to the tube. Upon airbag deployment, the cord extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the cord incrementally tightens the tube and restricts gas venting. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the cord remains lax and the tube is able to vent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schnieder, Jill Brunner, Jesse Benny
  • Patent number: 7568728
    Abstract: A modular inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device has an elongated cylindrical configuration and includes a supply of gas generant material to produce inflation gas upon reaction initiation. The inflator device includes a reaction housing defining a reaction chamber containing the supply of gas generant material. An initiator device is connected to the reaction housing and in reaction initiating communication with the supply of gas generant material. The reaction housing includes a plurality of radially oriented chamber discharge openings. Upon reaction initiation of the supply of gas generant material, the inflation gas discharges from the reaction chamber through the discharge openings. An initiator diffuser is disposed between the initiator device and the supply of gas generant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Matthew A. Cox, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7566416
    Abstract: A steel pipe for an airbag inflator having a high strength of at least 900 MPa and preferably at least 1000 MPa in tensile strength along with a high toughness and exhibiting good resistance to bursting such that it has no propagation of cracks in a burst test at ?40° C. or below is manufactured by quenching a pipe of a steel comprising, in mass %, C: 0.05-0.20 %, Si: 0.1-1.0 %, P: at most 0.025 %, S: at most 0.010 %, Cr: 0.05-1.45 %, Al: at most 0.10 %, and one or both of Ti and Mn satisfying Ti?0.02% and 0.4%?Mn+40Ti?1.2% from a temperature of at least the Ac1 transformation point of the steel, tempering the pipe at a temperature lower than the Ac1 transformation point, applying cold working to it with a reduction of area of at most 65%, and subjecting it to stress relief annealing at a temperature lower than the Ac1 transformation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Takano, Yuji Arai, Kunio Kondo, Keisuke Hitoshio
  • Patent number: 7559574
    Abstract: A gas bag module (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint device includes a gas generator (14) for filling a gas bag (16), and a gas conduit device arranged inside the module. The gas conduit device forces a predetermined, uniform flow direction at least on a portion of the gas emerging from the gas generator (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Magoley, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 7557052
    Abstract: A woven fabric-made hose having at least one distribution hole for introduction and distribution of inflator gas on actuation of an air bag, which hose is installed in a side air bag module, wherein at least one of the outer surface and inner surface of said hose is coated with a rubber or a synthetic resin, and the maximum drawing resistance of fiber is at least 70 N/3 cm in a warp direction and a weft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha, Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Tatsuo Konishi, Tamotsu Fujii
  • Patent number: 7556289
    Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag includes; a housing having a gas discharge port, a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber, provided inside the housing and charged with a gas generating agent, a first ignition device and a second ignition device provided in the two combustion chambers, respectively, the second ignition device provided with an electric igniter, a piston, an enhancer agent, a detonator provided in the enhancer agent, opposite to the distal end of the piston, and a tether connected to the rear end portion of the piston, the tether being tied around an air bag when accommodated into an air bag module, the tether controlling an inflation direction of the air bag by fastening the inflating air bag when the first ignition device is activated, the tether being configured to be released from the piston when the second ignition device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 7537241
    Abstract: A gas generating system includes an inflator that contains an auto-ignition cradle containing an auto-ignition composition. The cradle operatively and thermodynamically communicates with the exterior of the inflator and also resiliently contains the auto-ignition composition, thereby maximizing the ignitability of the auto-ignition composition in the event of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Slaven Domazet, Eduardo L. Quioc, Sean P. Burns
  • Patent number: 7539804
    Abstract: An airbag ECU includes a communication bus connection circuit for connecting communication buses to communication circuits. A central control circuit connects some of the communication buses to the communication circuits with the communication bus connection circuit and sets addresses for some of slave sensor devices. When those addresses are set, the other communication buses are connected to the communication circuits by the communication bus connection circuit, and addresses for the other slave sensor devices are set. Thus, a circuit can be made simpler without any influence on address setting, thus reducing cost and size of an airbag apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hisanori Miura
  • Patent number: 7533900
    Abstract: A “hybrid” inflator having an extended filling capacity is disclosed. This inflator is designed to deploy an inflatable curtain airbag. The inflator will have an inner chamber that is connected to an outer chamber by a bleed hole. The inner chamber has a first supply of gas and a pyrotechnic material. This first supply of gas is sufficient to inflate an inflatable curtain after ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The outer chamber has a second supply of gas. The second supply of gas bleeds out of the outer chamber through the inner chamber and into the inflatable curtain. The inflatable curtain may be initially filled by the first supply of gas in the inner chamber while the second supply of gas slowly bleeds out of the inflator into the curtain to maintain the curtain at a desired pressure sufficient to provide impact protection to the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David J. Green
  • Patent number: 7527289
    Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag allows maintaining combustibility as originally designed. An ignition energy generated by an activation of a first igniter 21 flows via a first communication hole 24, a first intermediate chamber 30 and second communication holes 43, into a second combustion chamber 40, to cause a gas generating agent 43 to ignite and burn. The ignition energy flows into the second combustion chamber 40 with making a detour, and therefore, the gas generating agent prevents from broken by the impact and the combustibility thereof is never changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Numoto, Naoki Matsuda, Teppei Hanano
  • Patent number: 7527290
    Abstract: A mechanism (10) for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container (18). The mechanism includes a rupturable membrane (22) configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid from the container when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid. The membrane (22) is rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against the pressure exerted by the fluid. A support member (28) supports the membrane (22) against fluid pressure. The support member (28) fracturable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator (66). Upon activation of the gas generator (66), the combustion products contact the support member (28) to decompose and/or fracture the support member (28), thereby removing support for the membrane (22) and enabling rupture of the membrane (22) by the pressurized fluid, releasing the pressurized fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20090108572
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7520530
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an air bag comprising: a housing having a gas discharge port; a plurality of combustion chambers charged with a gas generating agent, provided in the housing; a single ignition device chamber accommodating a single ignition device, provided in the housing, the single ignition device chamber communicating directly with each of the plurality of combustion chambers via communication holes, respectively; a combustion product generated by the activation of the single ignition device, passing through the communication holes, flowing into the respective combustion chambers to ignite and burn the gas generating agent charged into each combustion chamber; the amounts of combustion products flowing through the communication holes into the combustion chambers, respectively, being controlled, at least at the beginning of the activation, such that the amounts may be different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20090096196
    Abstract: An airbag module includes an airbag, a gas generator, and a module including at least one outflow opening. Gas generated by the gas generator enters an exterior space surrounding the airbag module through outflow opening. The airbag module also includes a movable first element that is assigned to the outflow opening and can be moved from an initial position, in which the first element closes the outflow opening into an end position. Movement of the first element out of the initial position into the end position causes the outflow opening to be opened. The at least one outflow opening is assigned a second element that may be moved out of an initial position into an end position in order to close the open outflow opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Lube, Andreas Pradel, Marc Prost-Fin
  • Patent number: 7516701
    Abstract: A gas generator, including an igniter, a gas generating agent ignited by the igniter and generating gas by burning, and a holder and an AC cup forming therein a gas generating agent storage chamber filled with the gas generating agent. A housing formed of the holder and the AC cup is vertically held and fixed by a pair of plate-like members arranged parallel with each other. The gas generator also includes projections forming deformable areas which are deformed in a direction for decreasing the vertical outside dimensions of the gas generator when the housing is fixed by the pair of plate-like members. Thus, when the gas generator is fixed by the pair of plate-like members in the vertical direction, the dispersion of the outside dimensions of the gas generator can be absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Kurita, Kenjiro Ikeda, Akihiko Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090091109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front airbag module for an automotive vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion (11) that can be inflated with the gas produced by a generator, including at least one venting opening (17) and a venting regulation device formed by a flexible material part (21) joined to the inflatable cushion (11) on the periphery or near zones of said venting opening (17) such that it can completely or partially close or uncover it, preventing or allowing the output of gas, and a stress member (23) joined at one of its ends to said flexible material part (21) and at the other end to the inflatable cushion (11), the geometric configurations of said stress member (23) and of said flexible material part (21) being established such that the opening degree of the venting opening (17) is determined by the stress level in the stress member (23) during cushion (11) deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Luis Jose DUARTE DE AREZ, Emiliano Core Almarza, Isabelle Denys, Agustin Ramon Ramos
  • Patent number: 7513527
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle having an airbag which can be inflated with gas through an inflation opening in order to protect an occupant, and having a gas generator with which the gas for inflating the airbag can be generated, said gas emerging from at least one gas outlet opening of the gas generator and passing into the airbag through the inflation opening, the airbag module having, according to the invention, a first outflow opening which is assigned an element which can move between at least two different positions and by the movement of which between the two positions the first outflow opening can be connected in a gas-conducting manner to the gas outlet opening of the gas generator so that the gas which flows out through the gas outlet opening is conducted at least partially into the outer space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Thomas Lube, Dirk Meissner, Heiko Hofmann, Andreas Winkler
  • Publication number: 20090085335
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inflator including: a tubular inflator housing in which an opening portion at one end is closed, an opening portion at the other end is closed by a closure and the interior is charged with a gas, an igniter assembly, attached to the closure side, and a tubular gas discharge port, the closure having an opening portion that serves as a gas passage in a part thereof, the opening portion being closed by a rupturable plate, the igniter assembly formed by integrating a part of a metallic igniter collar and an electric igniter with a resin, the igniter collar being fixed to the closure such that a space serving as a gas passage is formed between the igniter collar and the closure and an ignition portion of the electric igniter directly opposes the rupturable plate, and the tubular gas discharge port including a plurality of gas discharge holes in a peripheral surface thereof, one end side of the tubular gas discharge port being welded and fixed to a part of the closure excluding the op
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mikio Yabuta, Yasunori Iwai, Masayuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 7510210
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag module comprising; a module case accommodating a gas generator and an airbag, the gas generator having a housing, which is a assembly of a first base plate and a second base plate provided with a plurality of gas discharge ports, and at least one combustion chamber accommodated inside the housing, the module case being attached to a connection section of the first base plate and the second base plate at an opening portion of the module case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
  • Publication number: 20090079154
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed for use in a system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability. The valve partially exhausts air from an axle air bag when the vehicle is maneuvering at slow speed, reduces the load on the axle, and thus reduces damaging forces that affect tire wear and suspension component wear. The valve is a normally open, pilot operated valve that delivers supply air pressure upon receiving a sustained air pressure input of a pilot signal. Using an inversion function, the valve then dumps the delivery pressure through a high capacity exhaust upon receiving the pressure input of a secondary control signal. The hold function of the valve traps a reduced amount of delivery air pressure by closing the exhaust valve, and the hold function is actuated at a predetermined delivery pressure to trap a volume of air in the associated air suspension system until the valve member is returned to a supply position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Brian D. Sheehan, Randy S. Wise
  • Patent number: 7509196
    Abstract: An anterior part of a vehicle is provided with a bumper armature as a structural member having high rigidity. A bumper is disposed front of the bumper armature, and a radiator and an engine are disposed behind the bumper armature. A collision determining device embedded with an acceleration sensor as an airbag development control apparatus is arranged in a position approximately in the center of a vehicle interior. A time period “t” during when a signal waveform curve outputted from the acceleration sensor reaches from a first threshold value to a second threshold value is measured to judge whether or not the time period “t” is equal to or less than a previously set time “s”. When t?s satisfied, full development of an airbag in which both of inflators are activated is selected by determining that the collision is occurred under a high speed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Mineyuki Oishi
  • Patent number: 7506891
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbelt inflator (10) designed primarily for supplying and directing gas from the combustion of gas generant materials into a vehicle airbelt. Inflator (10) includes a substantially cylindrical inflator body (12), having a first end (11) and a second end (13). A unique booster cup (22) is positioned within inflator body (12), and is preferably press fit with initiator body (15), suspending cup (22) within inflator body (12). Cup (22) facilitates consistent burn of the main propellant, imparting repeatable bag performance. A cylindrical mesh filter (38) is positioned in inflator body (12). A nozzle (36) is preferably positioned adjacent a disc (30). A variety of different nozzles giving inflator (10) varying gas output characteristics can be utilized with inflator (10), for example thrusting inflators or thrust-neutral inflators, depending on the operating requirements of the airbelt system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo L. Quioc, David S. Whang, Paresh S. Khandhadia
  • Publication number: 20090058058
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Brian T. Finnigan, Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, James M. Payne, Donald E. Warren
  • Publication number: 20090043454
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for preventing mixing of materials upon two-shot molding for the production of a crash pad, in which, in the course of the production of a crash pad through the simultaneous injection of two types of resins, the penetration of one type of resin into the region of the crash pad, which is filled with another type of resin, is effectively prevented. A flow-retarding dam is formed at a portion of an injection mold which is positioned outside the passenger-side airbag door region and at which the mixing of the first material and the second material occurs, to decrease the thickness of the predetermined portion of the crash pad, thus retarding the flow of the first material and promoting the solidification thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Byung Seok Kong
  • Publication number: 20090039628
    Abstract: A gas generator, particularly for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has at least one igniter (12), a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed (22), a combustion chamber (20) containing the propellant bed (22) and at least one wall part (24), the wall part (24) being arranged in the combustion chamber (20), which is moved by a gas stream generated on activation of the gas generator into the region of the propellant bed (22) which is not yet ignited, and in its interior (25) defines a gas-directing channel reaching into the propellant bed (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Zengerle, Simon Schreiber, Karsten Schwuchow, Josef Leitl, Juergen Klimas
  • Patent number: 7487995
    Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag includes a housing having a gas discharge port, a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber, each of the combustion chambers being provided with a gas generating agent and an ignition device, being in the housing, the second combustion chamber being separated from the first combustion chamber by a cup member disposed within the housing, the second gas generating agent and the second ignition device being disposed within the cup member, the cup member being moved upon activation of the second ignition device, thereby forming a discharge passage for a gas generated in the second combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuda, Mikio Yabuta
  • Publication number: 20090020989
    Abstract: An airbag unit with an airbag exhibiting an impact surface, a housing, a gas generator, a first tensioning element extending from housing to impact surface, which is interrupted when the airbag is fully expanded, and a second tensioning element extending from impact surface to an outlet valve with variable cross section located in airbag. The cross section of the outlet valve becomes smaller when the second tensioning element is under tension. In order to ensure a high degree of functional reliability, outlet valve exhibits a nozzle extending around an opening, around which the second tensioning element is guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Alfred Bauberger
  • Patent number: 7478831
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes an airbag, an inflow orifice, a continuously running marginal region, a gas generator, a generator carrier having a base and emerging from an output orifice, a surface defined by the marginal region, and a continuous running wall protruding from the base. The wall has at least one first outflow orifice through which gas emerging from the gas outlet orifice of the gas generator can pass into the outside space of the airbag module. A cylindrical ring with a clearance is arranged displaceably on the wall in a movement direction running around the wall. The clearance is able to be brought into congruence with the outflow orifice as a result of a displacement of the cylindrical ring in the movement direction to open the first outflow orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Thomas Lube, Andreas Pradel
  • Publication number: 20090008910
    Abstract: There are provided an airbag having an inflator therein and an airbag system equipped with the airbag, the inflator having a harness taken to the outside through a harness through opening, and the airbag having high inflation durability. An airbag 5 has an inflator 9 therein. Three stud bolts 12 project from an inflator holder 11 attached to the inflator 9. The bottom of the airbag 5 has three bolt insertion holes 20 through which the stud bolts 12 are passed. A harness through opening 22 is provided between adjacent bolt insertion holes 20, the harness through opening 22 being for taking a harness 9b for passing electric current to the initiator of the inflator 9 out of the airbag 5. The harness through opening 22 is shaped like a slit, which extends in the direction substantially orthogonal to the line connecting the bolt insertion holes 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Takimoto, Yoshihiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090001697
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle in the event of a collision, comprising a cushion (11) that can expand with the gas provided by a generator with at least one ventilation hole (13) sealed with a patch (21) including a silicone membrane (23) intended to break due to the effect of the internal pressure in the cushion (11) so as to allow gas discharge, in which the fabric of the cushion (11) does not have a silicone coating, the patch (21) is formed by said membrane (23) joined at its edges to two pieces (25, 27) of fabric and fixed to the cushion (11) by means of a seam (31). The invention also comprises a process for manufacturing the cushion (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Alexandre Jose Carvalho Marques
  • Patent number: 7469926
    Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a supply of gas generant material disposed within a sealed chamber, and an initiator device in reaction initiation combination with the supply of gas generant material. A venting orifice connects the chamber to the surrounding ambient environment, and a rupturable seal seals the venting orifice. Upon reaction initiation of the gas generant material to produce inflation gas, the rupturable seal ruptures to vent the chamber to the ambient environment. A valve assembly can be disposed adjacent the venting orifice. A moveable valve piston, in combination with an actuator device, can block the venting orifice as needed to close the venting orifice and stop inflation gas venting. An optional tether release mechanism can be used in combination with the valve assembly to release a cushion tether upon closing of the venting orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Gregory J. Lang, Mark L. Enders
  • Publication number: 20080315567
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that includes a first panel (160) with at least one first vent opening (142). A second panel (144) secured to the first panel (160) includes a base portion (150) and a door portion (156). The base portion (150) includes at least one second vent opening (200) and is folded to position the door portion (156) between the first panel (160) and the base portion (150). The door portion (156) has an open condition positioned away from the vent openings (142, 200) permitting inflation fluid to vent through the vent openings. The door portion (156) has a closed condition positioned between the first and second vent openings (142, 200) blocking inflation fluid from venting through the first and second vent openings. The door portion (156) is movable to the closed condition when the protection device (14) deploys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Heather R. Kramer, Amit Sharma, Alberto Rodriguez, Douglas Gould, Angelo Adler, Eyad Nayef
  • Patent number: 7464961
    Abstract: The variable output inflator includes an injection piston assembly containing a sealed container of liquid propellant. The movement of the injection piston of the assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve that controls the flow of a fluid from a reservoir and against which an annular skirt of the injection piston moves during actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Island Pyrochemical Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Amnon Parizat, Robert Cannetti, Volker Seiler, Juergen Markwardt
  • Publication number: 20080290637
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a side airbag for protection of a vehicle occupant. The side airbag is adapted to be inflated by gas from an inflator. The side airbag comprises a side panel which forms an exterior of the side airbag. The side panel defines a vent hole for venting the gas to outside the side airbag. A closing panel is disposed about the vent hole. The closing panel is configured such that the vent hole is unobstructed to vent the gas during inflation of the side airbag until the side airbag is substantially inflated. The side and closing panels cooperate to obstruct the vent hole with the closing panel such that the gas is substantially not vented. When the side airbag is obstructed from substantially inflating, for example due to the proximity of an out-of-position occupant, the vent hole remains unobstructed to vent the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Louis Mueller, Erik Sandwall, Henrik Ohrvall, Gustav Borjeson
  • Publication number: 20080284147
    Abstract: The airbag apparatus includes an airbag provided with a flap element for opening and closing an exhaust hole. The flap element includes a flap and an adjusting belt. The leading end region of the adjusting belt is sewn to the flap by a generally straight sewn seam and acts as a joint portion to the flap. The root region of the adjusting belt is joined to an open/close mechanism. A first terminal of the sewn seam disposed proximate a root region of the joint portion is located farther away from the open/close mechanism relative to a second terminal disposed proximate a leading end of the joint portion. The sewn seam is configured rupturable from the first terminal when the airbag inflates with the adjusting belt engaged with the open/close mechanism to separate the joint portion of the adjusting belt from the flap body so the flap uncovers the exhaust hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Goto, Kazuaki Bito, Naohiko Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20080284146
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Masoto HIROOKA, Naoki MATSUDA, Kenji NUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20080284144
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Smydra, Annmarie McMillan, Molly K. Koenig, Ramakrishnan Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20080284145
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Publication number: 20080272581
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hee Sok Woo
  • Publication number: 20080265552
    Abstract: An airbag includes two base cloths sewn together at their outer peripheries by a seam extending from a central portion to the outer periphery of the base cloths into a vortical shape. When gas is supplied from an inflator to a center aperture of one of the base cloth to inflate the airbag, load generated by gas pressure breaks the seam sequentially from the central portion to the outer periphery, preventing sudden deployment of the airbag in fore and aft directions at the initial stage of deployment, thereby enabling not only soft restraining of passengers but also sufficient restraining by deploying the airbag into a final shape that is flat in fore and aft directions upon completion of breaking of the seam. The seam comprises a plurality of bonding portions such that the inflation breaks each of the bonding portions sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nagai, Fumiharu Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7438315
    Abstract: A gas generating system (10) includes a base (14) and a cap (16), one of the base (14) and the cap (16) having at least one groove (34) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between a combustion chamber (18) of the gas generator and an exterior of the combustion chamber (18). The other one of the base (14) and the cap (16) covers the at least one groove (34) to define at least one enclosed passage (36) extending along the at least one groove (34) for enabling fluid communication between the combustion chamber (18) and the exterior of the combustion chamber. In another aspect, a gas generant composition (20) having an auto-ignition temperature is positioned within the gas generating system (10). An adhesive composition (30) having a decomposition temperature lower than the gas generant auto-ignition temperature secures the cap (16) to the base (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20080252052
    Abstract: An airbag module comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent tube attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent tube remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent tube at least partially closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, Changsoo Choi