Abstract: An air restraint system has an airbag which is deployable between an instrument panel and an occupant seat within an automotive vehicle. The airbag includes first and second air chambers which are separated to restrict flow therebetween by a single panel member. The first and second chambers of the airbag are selectively pressurizable with a gaseous fluid which is distributed from an inflator through a plurality of passages, and the flow therein is controlled by a valve member. The valve member is operable to distribute the pressurized fluid to one chamber, both of the chambers of the airbag or to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An emergency supplementary vision device comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a compact stowed form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable the user to see through said tube and observe a source of information at the other end while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a filter operably associated with the tube to filter the ambient atmosphere and fill the interior of said tube with clear air when said tube is expanded to its expanded form.

Abstract: This present invention provides variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a slide ring mechanism disposed about an inflator and adjacent at least a portion of a cushion retainer. The slide ring mechanism comprises an annular ring having openings formed therein, wherein during rotation of the slide mechanism, the openings of the annular ring align with openings formed in the cushion retainer to define a fluid flow path away from an air bag cushion for venting some of the inflator gas. Preferably, the annular ring is rotated by attaching a pair of tethers to the annular ring and to a rear surface of the air bag cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (20) and a refrigerant under pressure in the container (20) in a liquid state. The container (20) is openable to enable the refrigerant to flow out of the container into the inflatable device (14). At least a portion of the refrigerant that flows from the container (20) vaporizes to a gaseous state to help inflate the inflatable device (14). The apparatus (10) includes an aspiration passage (42) enabling aspiration of ambient air into the inflatable device (14) with the refrigerant to help inflate the inflatable device. At least a portion of the refrigerant that flows from the container (20) is located in the inflatable device (14) in a liquid state. That portion of the refrigerant thereafter changes from the liquid state to the gaseous state while in the inflatable device to help maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which the inflator gas is discharged. A housing includes at least one inflator vent opening aligned with the discharge port. A variable inflation device is mounted on the inflator and includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. The movable member includes a gas impingement surface which serves to direct the flow of the inflator gas in such away that the movable member is maintained, after actuation thereof, in a position in which the vent opening is closed by the movable member.

Abstract: An airbag device is formed of a retainer, an outer bag having a gas inlet, an inner bag located in the outer bag, a module cover fixed to the retainer for covering the outer bag, and an inflator attached around the opening of the retainer. A periphery of the gas inlet is disposed around an opening of the retainer. The inflator includes a toroidal main body having a front side portion with a gas outlet and a rear side portion, a first flange extending from an outer periphery of the main body and fixed to the retainer, a second flange extending from an inner periphery of the main body to which the inner bag is fixed, and an air vent hole for providing a communication between the front side portion and the rear side portion. The gas from the inflator is supplied between the inner and outer bags.

Abstract: An airbag device is formed of a retainer having a center opening, an air bag, and at least one inflater fixed to the retainer. The air bag includes an outer bag having an outer bag opening, and an inner bag arranged inside the outer bag and having an inner bag opening. The peripheries of the outer and inner bag openings are directly or indirectly fixed to the retainer so that the inner bag communicates with an outside through the outer bag opening and the center opening. The inflater has a main body containing a gas generating agent therein and faces a space between the outer and inner bags to directly supply gas to the space when the inflater is actuated. When the gas is supplied to the space between the outer and inner bags, air is inspired into the inner bag through the center opening.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) which is folded so as to be deployed from a reaction structure (24) in a first direction to restrain movement of a vehicle occupant in a second, opposite direction. The folded protection device (14) has a cross-section with a configuration defined by pleats (110). Each pleat (110) has an open end (112) and a closed end (114) spaced from the open end (112) in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second directions. An inflator (12) is received within one of the pleats (110′) and has inflation fluid outlet openings (124) adjacent to the closed end (114) of the pleat (110′). A retainer ring (56) engages and supports a peripheral edge portion (72) of the folded protection device (14) in an open configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) includes a housing (12) and a container (50) mounted in the housing. A quantity of helium gas (52) is stored under pressure in the container (50). The apparatus (10) includes means (58) for opening the container (50) to enable flow of helium gas (52) out of the container into the housing (12). The housing (12) has wall portions (14, 16, 18, 20) for directing helium gas (52) flowing from the container (50) through an outlet (26) of the housing into the inflatable device (40) to inflate the inflatable device. The housing (12) has at least one aspiration opening (30, 32) for aspirating ambient air into the housing due to the flow of helium gas (52) to mix with the helium gas during flow of helium gas from the container (50) into the inflatable device (40).

Abstract: An airbag safety system has at least one airbag with inlets and a gas generator for generating a gas with which the at least one airbag is to be filled. An intermediate housing is connected between the gas generator and the at least one airbag. The gas is guided as a gas stream from the gas generator to the at least one airbag through the intermediate housing. The intermediate housing has outflow openings communicating with the inlets of the at least one airbag. A slide, positioned in the intermediate housing, is provided for controlling flow of the gas generated by the gas generator into the at least one airbag. The slide is displaceable relative to the inlets of the at least one airbag. An actuating member, mounted in the intermediate housing and positioned in the gas stream, is provided for generating a gas pressure force for displacing the slide. Controllably releasable securing elements for securing the slide at the intermediate housing in a rest position are provided.

Abstract: A check valve for an airbag cushion assembly permitting inflation gas to be rapidly received into an airbag cushion chamber from an inflation gas source through an inflation gas inlet opening in the fabric of the airbag cushion chamber and preventing flow of inflation gas back through the inflation gas inlet opening comprises a main fabric panel with a plurality of pleatable or foldable fabric tabs extending from a portion of the main fabric panel of the check valve and being non-rupturably secured to the fabric of the airbag cushion chamber.

Abstract: An airbag module providing adaptive performance. The module includes a housing defining an interior. At least an inflator is received within the housing, and preferably the folded, uninflated cushion, also. Various arrangements are provided to selectively block, or create, a vent extending through the housing. This vent, when open, permits the inflation gas provided by the inflator to exit the housing without entering the cushion. The vent may be initially open, and blocked by a sliding cover block, may be initially closed and opened by movement of a slide plug, or may be initially closed and opened by deformation of a portion of the housing. The venting of the inflation gas will at least slow the rate of inflation of the cushion, and may reduce the final pressure within the cushion. As such, the housing will be vented for less severe collisions, and will not be vented for more severe collisions.

Abstract: An airbag cushion has a deployment tube connected at its inner end to a backing plate securing an inflator and at its outer end to a cushion-shaping enclosure. The periphery of the cushion-shaping enclosure is attached there about to a boundary wall which extends inward to the backing plate at a location surrounding the inner end of the deployment tube. The boundary wall defines an aspirated-air chamber surrounding the tube. As the tube and cushion-shaping enclosure are inflated, the enclosure pulls the boundary wall out of the canister creating a vacuum in the aspirated-air chamber. A one-way valve in the backing plate passes aspirated air into the aspirated-air chamber. A port connects the cushion-shaping enclosure to the aspirated-air chamber to pressurize the aspirated-air chamber at the end of inflation. The one-way valve blocks escape of the pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating a vehicle air bag and for reducing the inflation rate of the air bag in the event that an occupant of the vehicle engages the air bag before it is fully inflated, including a gas generating unit for producing an inflation gas in response to a predetermined impact to the vehicle, and an aspiration unit operatively connected to the gas generating unit and to the air bag. The aspiration unit includes an ambient air inlet, a mixing chamber in communication with the air inlet, and one or more nozzles in communication with the gas generating unit and the mixing chamber for directing inflation gas into the mixing chamber to aspirate ambient air through the air inlet into the mixing chamber so that a mixture of ambient air and generated inflation gas is created for the inflation of the air bag.

Abstract: An airbag inflator with venturi effect cooling and gas supplement. The inflator includes a housing having a quantity of gas-producing fuel therein, and possibly a stored gas also, along with appropriate igniters. These materials are stored within a gas production chamber of the housing. The gas leaving this chamber travels through the housing to an exit port on the housing. Intermediate the gas production chamber and the housing exit port is a venturi section of the housing. This section reduces the pressure of the gas, and thus the pressure at the interior end of draw vents opening onto the venturi section. The vents therefore draw outside air into the housing to mix with the gas. This cools the gas to the desired temperature, and also supplements the gas exiting the housing. As such, the need for a heat sink to cool the gas is reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, since the cushion is inflated with a mixture of gas and air, the amount of gas typically needed is reduced by the amount of added air.

Abstract: An airbag module to protect an occupant in the passenger compartment in the event of a crash of the vehicle. In a most basic embodiment, the module includes an elongate housing having a length in the longitudinal direction which is substantially larger than its width or thickness in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, an airbag situated within the housing, an inflator arranged in the housing to produce pressurized gas to inflate the airbag, mounting members for mounting the module in the passenger compartment and an initiator for initiating the inflator to produce the pressurized gas in response to the crash of the vehicle. The housing includes a cover for releasably retaining the airbag so that it can deploy upon inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A variable mass flow airbag module includes a housing having gas discharge ports in direct communication with an airbag to be inflated for rapidly inflating the airbag and adapted to receive gas from a pyrotechnic inflator, stored gas or hybrid inflator, or other type of inflator. The housing has a vent opening which is controlled by a valve to vent a controlled variable amount of gas to achieve a desired mass flow of gas into the airbag to provide a desired level of energy absorption capability for optimizing occupant protection.

Abstract: A monitor current to a squib as an air bag actuating element conducts in one and the opposite directions alternately. Each produced voltage value is differentially amplified with a positive reference voltage and a difference between the amplified voltages are calculated. Thus, an offset voltage of an operational amplifier used for the differential amplification is cancelled, and the difference between the two detected voltages becomes a voltage value which will be produced by a monitor current twice as large in current level. Thus, the squib is diagnosed accurately.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle incorporating simplified assembly features. The airbag module assembly includes a retainer bracket element having a series of protruding tabs. These tabs are passed through slits of the airbag material and also engage slots in the module housing. The components are oriented and dimensioned such that the retainer bracket elastically deforms during assembly and allows the tabs to engage the housing slots by snapping into position.

Abstract: An inflatable air bag (10) includes axially spaced inboard and outboard side sections (200, 202) and an intermediate section (204) extending between the side sections. The air bag has a primary chamber (160) which has a generally U-shaped configuration when inflated. A base portion (162) of the primary chamber (160) extends between the inboard and outboard side sections (200, 202) of the air bag (10) and receives inflation fluid from an inflator (186). Axially spaced first and second inflatable side portions (164,166) of the primary chamber (160) are in fluid communication with the base portion (162) of the primary chamber at opposite axial sides of the base portion. The air bag also (10) includes a secondary chamber (170). At least one secondary panel (20) of the air bag (10) has at least one ambient air aspiration opening (40) for aspirating ambient air into the secondary chamber (170).

Abstract: An air bag module includes an inflatable air bag having an inflation opening and an inflator for discharging inflation gas upwardly towards the inflation opening to inflate the air bag. The module includes a container for housing the inflator and air bag which includes elongated side walls. One of the side walls includes a longitudinally elongated and generally vertical segment spaced above the inflator and below the inflation opening of the air bag. The segment has a plurality of aspiration holes therein to aspirate ambient air. A longitudinally extending rib projects inwardly into the container and is positioned directly subjacent the segment and above the inflator. Advantageously, the rib strengthens the side wall and increases ambient air aspiration by directing discharging inflation gas over the aspiration holes of the segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable air bag with a plurality of air valves and at least one internal, gas-operated extension member for deploying the bag, with three such members being preferred. The extension members are generally tubular, being inside the bag. Each is attached at its first, base end to a gas source, its second end being free. Prior to deployment of the air bag, the extension members are compactly within the bag. On demand, a gas source is activated to inflate the extension members, straightening each quickly into a substantially straight, elongated pressurized tube expanding the bag. Ambient air from the passenger compartment of the vehicle flows rapidly into the bag as it expands to create an impact-absorbing cushion.

Abstract: An inflator (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes ignitable gas generating material, an igniter (260) for igniting the gas generating material, and a housing (50) having a tubular wall (52) surrounding the gas generating material. The housing (50) further has an end wall (54) defining a closed end of the housing (50). The housing (50) contains a tubular structure (62) including a cylindrical filter (70) for the gas. The tubular structure (62) extends coaxially within the tubular wall (52) and has an axially inner end portion (180) adjacent to the end wall (54). A sealing structure engages the tubular structure (62) to block gas from bypassing the filter (70) by flowing around the inner end portion (180) of the tubular structure (62). The sealing structure includes a pair of opposed sealing surfaces (94, 150) which extend circumferentially around the axis (40) and which face radially toward each other.

Abstract: An air bag assembly for an inflatable passenger vehicle restraint system comprises an inflatable air bag, a thrust neutral inflator for generating pressure gas and a reaction canister. The inflator has a cylindrical casing with a plurality of holes on opposite sides for discharging the gas to inflate the air bag. The reaction canister houses the inflator and has a part-cylindrical bottom wall terminating in upstanding side walls which operatively connect the inflator to the air bag. A plurality of aspiration holes are formed in the reaction canister side walls. A part-cylindrical baffle is mounted in the canister between the inflator and the bottom wall and has an outlet to direct gas discharged from the inflator away from the walls and to the air bag. Ambient air is aspirated through the aspirator holes upon gas delivery from the inflator discharge ports to augment the volume of gas delivered to the air bag. The aspirator holes also serve as pressure relief vents for the air bag.

Abstract: An improved air cushion restraint system utilizes a gas flow-regulating valve having an inner membrane, an outer membrane, a pucker formed therebetween, and a flow passage from the air bag inflation chamber to the pucker for expulsion through an outer membrane aperture. The inner membrane is extensible in response to occupant impact with the air bag which exceeds a threshold value such that the inner membrane extends in response to such load where it is brought into nested engagement with the outer membrane pucker which flow restricts the aperture and stiffens the air bag.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system is disclosed incorporating a cushion structure or air bag having an impermeable external wall and a permeable internal wall with gas passageways therebetween. The air bag is mounted on a pair of gas manifolds having manifold gas ports communicating with the gas passageways in the air bag. Gas generator units are secured to the manifolds and are actuatable through impact signals to create high pressure gas directed through generator nozzles into the manifolds and subsequently into the gas passageways of the air bag. A valve plate supports a plurality of inlet reed valves operating in conjunction with a corresponding plurality of inlet ports to admit ambient air from within the vehicle into the expanding air bag; a pair of bi-level exhaust valves permit the escape of high pressure gas and air from within the air bag into the vehicle interior upon completion of the deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A system and method for inflating and deflating an air bag within a vehicle without substantially exposing the occupants of the vehicle to toxic compounds, particulates, and other contaminants in the gas mixture used to inflate the air bag. The system includes a flow guide having an exterior port in fluid communication with the ambient air outside the vehicle, an air bag port connectable in fluid communication with the air bag, and an internal bore permitting fluid flow between the exterior port and the air bag. A nozzle disposed within the flow guide bore is secured to an inflator containing a pressurized gas source. The nozzle and flow guide preferably have certain geometric characteristics disclosed herein. In operation, gas is expelled from the gas bag inflator through the nozzle at a velocity sufficient to entrain ambient air from outside the vehicle. The entrained ambient air mixes with the gas expelled through the nozzle, and the mixture inflates the air bag.

Abstract: An air-induction gasbag-collision-protection system for a motor car is disclosed which has a receiving housing into which a gasbag casing which is fastened to the receiving housing and is open towards the housing is folded. A gas source is provided in the receiving housing for the filling of the gasbag casing and for its unfolding in the expanded state. The receiving housing exhibits apertures in a housing wall of the receiving housing, by which apertures an intake of air surrounding the receiving housing into the receiving housing and the gasbag casing is made possible. The cross-sections of the apertures are covered by intake flaps, which can be opened by the underpressure generated in the unfolding of the gasbag casing and by virtue of which an escape of internal gases from the receiving housing through the apertures is prevented.

Abstract: An air bag device for an assistant driver's seat is formed of a container having an opening for expanding an air bag on the front surface and intake ports for inletting air on the side surfaces; a lid covering the opening; valve plates provided in the container for closing the intake ports an air bag accommodated in the container in the folded state; a gas generator first gas ejecting holes for ejecting gas toward the front surface of the container and second gas ejecting holes for ejecting gas toward the valve plates; and a sealing device attached on the gas generator for sealing the first and second ejecting holes. The sealing device opens only at first gas ejecting hole portions when ejected gas pressure in the gas generator exceeds first predetermined pressure thereby allowing the gas and air flowing through the intake ports to open the air bag.

Abstract: An air bag has openings disposed on both of side surfaces of the air bag and a cylindrical cloth attached inside of the air bag to communicate the openings with each other. Both sides of the cylindrical cloth are connected to the side surfaces of the air bag. A vent hole is disposed in the cylindrical cloth.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag assembly has a housing mounted beneath an opening in a vehicle panel and holding an inflator for discharging gas to inflate an air bag for deployment through the opening. A door normally closes the opening and is forcibly moved out of the opening from a closed position to an open position by the deploying air bag. The housing also includes a plurality of apertures communicable with ambient air. A flap closes the apertures to prevent communication with ambient air so that discharging inflator gas is blocked from escaping out through the apertures and is fully utilized for initial air bag inflation to open the door. A positioning device positions the flap for closing the apertures in the housing. The flap is operatively connected to the door, such as by having an end secured thereto, and is pulled by the opening movement of the door to open the apertures.

Abstract: An air bag device for a vehicular passenger is formed of a box-shaped container having an open front face; an air bag confined in a folded shape in the container; an inflator attached to the container; and a lid covering the front face of the container. Further, a stress concentration portion is formed in the container for starting the buckling deformation of the container when an impact is applied to the container from the front.

Abstract: In a driver restraining gas bag system for vehicles a compressed gas container is arranged clear of the steering wheel and connected by way of a gas duct with an inflation opening of the bag for filling the gas bag arranged on the steering wheel hub. At its entry into the steering wheel the gas duct means is sealed off by an annular sealing gap between a first gap defining surface formed on the steering wheel hub and an oppositely arranged second gap defining surface on a wall, which is stationary in relation to the vehicle's bodywork, of the gas duct means without contact between these gap defining surfaces.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a source of inflation fluid (20) and an air bag reaction canister (24) having a vent opening (16) through which inflation fluid from the source of inflation fluid (20) may be vented away from the air bag canister (24). An air bag (12) is located in the air bag reaction canister (24) and is inflatable by inflation fluid from the source of inflation fluid (20). A valve member (30) is located on the air bag reaction canister (24). The valve member (30) is movable relative to the vent opening (16) in response to ambient temperature variations in the vicinity of the source of inflation fluid (20) to control venting of inflation fluid from the source of inflation fluid (20) through the vent opening (16). Inflation of the air bag (12) is thereby controlled in response to ambient temperature variations in the vicinity of the source of inflation fluid (20).

Abstract: An air bag device for use in a passenger's seat is formed of a retaining box having an opening disposed at the front face for expanding an air bag and air intake ports disposed on the lateral side for intaking air, seat-like valves disposed in the retaining box, the valves being capable of covering the lateral sides thereby closing the air intake ports and moving from the lateral side thereby opening the air intake ports, a gas generator disposed to the deep inside of the retaining box, and a lid for covering the opening of said retaining box. The valves are made of such a material as melting at a temperature lower than the igniting temperature of the gas generator.

Abstract: An airbag assembly (12/112) is incorporated into a vehicle (10) that includes a steering assembly (16/116) and a firewall (18). The firewall (18) at least partially defines an occupant compartment (20) and separates the occupant compartment (20) from an external environment (22). In one embodiment, the steering assembly (16) includes a steering column (50) defining an inlet passageway (71) and a separate exhaust passageway (73). The passageways (71) and (73) communicate separately with an airbag (30) through a mouth portion (32) of the airbag. The inlet passageway (71) communicates with an inflator (40), and the exhaust passageway (73) communicates with the external environment (22). Inflation fluid travels through the inlet passageway (71) into the airbag (30), and inflation fluid is vented through the outlet passageway (73) to the external environment (22).

Abstract: An air bag for use in connection with a gas generator is provided. The air bag is of a double-wall construction. The air bag is fitted to the housing of a gas generator and a gas jet opening for allowing the air bag to communicate with the housing is provided. A gas generated by the gas generator due to an impact is charged into the air bag. The air bag has a double-wall structure including a first air bag and a second air bag having a greater capacity than the first air bag disposed about and attached to the first air bag. The first air bag constitutes an air storage chamber which receives air from the atmosphere through an air intake path and stores the air. A gas storage chamber is formed between the first and second air bags which receives a combustion gas from the gas jet opening and temporarily stores the combustion gas. The air intake path is typically a hollow path between the atmosphere and the air storage chamber.

Abstract: An occupant restraining inflatable cushion apparatus includes a gas generator used to inflate an inflatable fabric cushion which is packaged about the gas generator in a deflated condition. The cushion and gas generator are connected with a closed end of a housing having diverging side walls. The side walls of the housing have venting apertures. The side wall of the cushion also has apertures which, upon inflation of the air bag, register with the apertures in the housing, allowing aspiration of the air bag through the side walls of the housing. Therefore, direct venting through the air bag into the vehicle occupant compartment is avoided.

Abstract: A modularized aspirating/venting motor vehicle passenger passive restraint assembly. A first embodiment utilizes two separate inflator units lockingly engaged within a stamped mounting plate which, in turn, is installed within an outer base plate. Both plates comprise a lower depending skirt portion defining an aperture through a lower portion of the corresponding plate. These apertures are located in substantially vertical alignment when the mounting plate is seated within the base plate. An elongated conduit permits a reciprocal fluid flow between the interior of the module and the ambient atmosphere. A first end of the conduit is inserted through the corresponding apertures in the base plate and mounting plate to a location adjacent the inflator units and secured therein by magnaforming the overlapping skirt portions into a groove on the conduit's outer surface. A second end of the conduit extends through an inner structural wall of the vehicle to a location outside of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An occupant restraint air bag assembly includes an air bag having a base wall portion communicating with an inflator and a face wall for contacting the occupant upon inflation of the bag. A vent opening is provided in the base wall portion of the air bag for venting a portion of the inflation gas from the air bag to the occupant compartment. A valve flap carried by the air bag is operable to a position closing the vent opening to contain the inflation gas within the air bag. A tether has a first end connected to the valve flap and a second end attached to the face wall so that the inflation of the air bag and consequent displacement of the face wall pulls the tether to close the valve flap. The vent opening is preferably a plurality of spaced apart openings and the tether progressively moves the valve flap across the openings to progressively close the vent opening in response to the progressive travel of the face wall toward the occupant.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag comprises a source of gas for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint, a housing for mounting to the vehicle, and means connecting the gas source to the housing. The housing has passages to enable aspiration of ambient air into the vehicle occupant restraint. An aspiration flap disposed within the housing has a first position closing the passages and a second position enabling flow of ambient air through the passages. The aspiration flap and the housing have interengaging portions for blocking movement of the aspiration flap out of the housing.

Abstract: An air cushion restraint system (ACRS) particularly adapted for a driver's-side motor vehicle applications. The ACRS incorporates a conventional inflator mounted to a base plate defining aspiration apertures which allow ambient air to supplement inflation gases generated by the inflator during air bag deployment.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an air bag for an air bag system to be mounted on a vehicle for protecting a vehicle passenger. The air bag comprises an air-impermeable cloth disposed at least at the side facing the passenger, and an air-permeable cloth at least at the side of the vehicle body. The air-permeable cloth can be covered from the inside of the air bag with a free member which is made of an air-impermeable or low-permeable cloth.

Abstract: A reaction device for an air bag module includes a pair of spaced apart side walls adapted to support a cylindrical air bag inflator. A pair of spaced apart transverse walls extend between and connect the side walls. The side walls and the transverse walls cooperate to define (i) an air intake opening, (ii) a gas outlet opening, (iii) a venturi channel terminating in the gas outlet opening, and (iv) an air aspiration passage between the air intake opening and the venturi channel. The side walls are adapted to support the cylindrical inflator in a manner such that the cylindrical housing of the inflator spans the width of the reaction device. In addition, the gas dispensing nozzles of the inflator face the throat of the venturi channel. The reaction device, and the orientation of the inflator in the reaction device, facilitate the aspiration of significant quantities of ambient air during operation of the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag inflator comprises a housing having a frontal opening for the deployment of an airbag and a plurality of air aspirating and exhaust ports in the sidewalls thereof. An airbag is folded into the housing so as to overlie and close the ports in the sidewalls thereof. The airbag covers the ports in the housing during initial deployment of the airbag but subsequent deployment of the airbag opening the ports to first permit aspiration of the air into the housing and subsequently permit exhaust of air outwardly of the housing.

Abstract: An air bag structure for an automotive vehicle is mounted on an instrument panel in front of a passenger seated on a front seat of the vehicle. The air bag structure includes a casing enclosing an inflator and air bag. The casing is formed with a plurality of aspiration holes, through which air is introduced into the air bag when the air bag is inflated by an ignition of inflator. A cover member surrounds and covers the casing. The cover member is spaced from the casing by a predetermined distance, so that an air passage is formed between the cover member and the casing.

Abstract: A fault of a trigger resistor or a squib resistor of an air bag system is monitored together with other resistors by utilizing a balanced Wheatstone bridge for providing an inexpensive and highly reliable fault detector, wherein first and second junctions of the Wheatstone bridge are connected alternately to a dc amplifier circuit with use of first and second switching circuits for applying a voltage across the squib resistor and a reference voltage alternately on an input terminal of the dc amplifier circuit, amplified voltages are fed from the dc amplifier circuit to a decision circuit to check whether or not the voltage across the squib resistor is within an allowable limit from the reference voltage, the amplified reference voltage is fed from the dc amplifier circuit to a voltage regulating circuit, which has a feedback circuit to the dc amplifier circuit, with use of a third switching circuit for adjusting an output of the voltage regulator to the center value of the input voltage range of the decision

Abstract: Safety enclosures for use in high speed vehicles such as aircraft and high speed trains. The safety enclosures include an enclosure shell which preferably has two shell walls separated by a crash resistant intermediate material which also provides thermal insulation against fires and acoustic attenuation. The enclosures also advantageously include cooling systems which utilize a refrigerant which is expanded through tubes connected along the inner wall of the enclosure shell. A compressed air supply is provided which supplies breathing air to passengers and is used to expand a crash bag. Air is supplied through both the crash bag at passenger contacting panels and through supply lines which exhaust near the passengers' heads. A motor driven door assembly is controlled to close as the crash bag is being deployed. Exhaust ports having check valves allow positive pressure to be maintained in the cabin of the enclosures to exclude smoke and fire.

Abstract: The air bag 3 according to this invention is furnished with exhaust outlet 6 to discharge internal gas, and the material 8 with and heat-shrinking property is provided, which blocks at least a part of the exhaust outlet 6 in normal case and shrinks to such direction as to increase the passage area of said exhaust outlet when reaction gas is introduced from the inflator 2. Therefore, the passage area of the exhaust outlet 6 is relatively narrowed down by the heat-shrinking material 8 in normal case. For this reason, it is rapidly expanded by reaction gas from the inflator 2. Thereafter, the material 8 is shrinked by the heat of reaction gas and the passage area of exhaust outlet 6 is increased. Thus, more reaction gas flows out of air bag 3, and this alleviates the impact when the air bag 3 receives the person in the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle modularized airbag assembly adapted for facilitating an aspirating flow of ambient atmosphere through the module and into the air bag to facilitate the inflation thereof and thereafter so as to vent the contents into the surrounding atmosphere. The assembly comprises a pyrotechnic inflator device; and inflatable air cushion in contact relation thereto; a retainer member for facilitating a locking engagement between the air cushion and the inflator and a mounting plate comprising a plurality of stepped levels for receiving the inflator, the air cushion and the retainer member in operative association, as well as a plurality of projecting members formed integral with a lower surface thereof to facilitate the aspirating and venting effect.