With Means To Diffuse Inflation Fluid Patents (Class 280/740)
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Patent number: 7648158Abstract: An airbag for protecting an occupant of a vehicle includes a left outer panel for forming an outer surface of a left half airbag and a right outer panel for forming an outer surface of a right half airbag. The airbag also includes an inner panel for forming inner surfaces of the left and right half airbags, and a base-end panel for forming a base-end chamber for the left and right half airbags. The airbag is configures so that the left and right half airbags are inflated with gas passing through the base-end chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Masahiro Hasebe
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Patent number: 7648163Abstract: The air bag gas generator comprises a housing having a gas discharge port, an ignition unit chamber in which ignition units are accommodated, and a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated, a cylindrical coolant/filter disposed between the combustion chamber and the gas discharge port, so that combustion gas passes through the coolant/filter prior to discharge through the gas discharge port, and the air bag gas generator meeting the following requirements (a), (b), and (c): (a) that the gas generating agent has an amount of heat generation of 10 to 30 kcal/mol; (b) that the mass (g) of the coolant/filter in relation to 1 mol of gas generated during combustion of the gas generating agent be 20 to 65 g/mol; and (c) that the coolant/filter has a thickness of not less than 4.0 mm.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Teppei Hanano, Naoki Matsuda, Takashi Okuyama
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Patent number: 7648164Abstract: Method for controlling flow of gas into an airbag includes generating gas, directing the gas into the airbag, and controlling the flow of gas into the airbag based on conditions at the time of deployment such that the airbag is variably deployed dependent on ambient conditions. A related arrangement for controlling flow of gas into an airbag includes a system for generating gas, a system for directing the gas into the airbag and a system for controlling the flow of gas into the airbag based on conditions at the time of deployment such that the airbag is variably deployed dependent on ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David S. Breed
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Patent number: 7644950Abstract: A gas deflector (24) is disclosed for use with a cylindrical gas generator (20). The gas deflector (24) comprises a generally tubular housing to accommodate the cylindrical gas generator (20). The housing has two terminal portions (25, 26) of generally circular cross-section and has an intermediate region provided with an outwardly-extending formation (28). The outwardly-extending formation (28) defines, at either end thereof, an opening (31, 34) through which gas may flow in the direction substantially parallel to the axis of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Markus Kloss, Andreas Haberzettl
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Patent number: 7637534Abstract: A cold gas generator for inflating a gas bag with help of a gas flowing out of a gas pressure vessel (7) with a discharge opening (1) closed off by a destructible membrane (2) arched in a direction opposite relative to the stored gas, with destruction of the membrane (2) occurring by a hot gas jet aimed at the membrane (2), which jet is produced by ignition of a primer (4) which can be activated by application of an electric pulse. In the filled state of gas pressure vessel (7), the surface (6a) of membrane (2) which is averted from the same is directed in an exposed manner into a room (12) which is in connection with the gas bag via at least one discharge opening (11) and through which the hot gas jet is guided which is focused on the membrane (2) via a nozzle chamber (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: ISI Airbag GmbHInventor: Dietmar Schäfer
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Patent number: 7635147Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle, including a cover. The airbag may be deployed through an openable region of the cover into the outside space of the airbag module. When the airbag is inflated, the outflow orifice is arranged in the inside space of the airbag module such that gas emerging from the first outflow orifice passes through the openable region of the cover. The gas generator includes at least one gas outlet orifice fluidly connected to the airbag. The airbag module further includes a second openable outflow orifice, which is formed on a chamber surrounding the gas generator and is in fluid communication with the gas outlet orifice of the gas generator so that the gas flowing out through the gas outlet orifice is conducted at least partially into the outside space.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Thomas Lube, Dirk Meissner, Heiko Hofmann, Andreas Winkler
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Patent number: 7618060Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). An inflator (14) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (12). The inflation fluid flow from the inflator (14) is transverse to a central axis (16) of the inflator. A shield (70) includes a piece of material (72) folded about the inflator (14) and having a wall portion (102) that is interposed between at least a portion of the inflator and the protection device (12) and against which inflation fluid initially exiting from the inflator at least partially impinges. The wall portion (102) has a plurality of tear seams (76) that rupture due to inflation fluid pressure acting on the shield (70) to enable the wall portion to form a plurality of flaps (80) within the protection device (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Harvey, Rickey L. Stratton
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Patent number: 7614649Abstract: A leg airbag system in which the deployment performance of an airbag can be improved by an improvement in air tightness includes a knee airbag for restraining occupant's legs and a gas generator that generates a jet of gas to inflate the knee airbag. A housing section communicates with the knee airbag and houses the gas generator therein. A slit, provided at the housing section, allows the gas generator to be inserted into the housing section.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Daisuke Kashiwagi
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Patent number: 7611164Abstract: An airbag apparatus comprising an airbag that expands between a vehicle occupant and a side wall of a vehicle body. The airbag is divided into a plurality of expanding chambers that are connected by a plurality of gas flow channels. Among the expanding chambers, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands first is the largest, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands last is the smallest, and the expanding chambers expand in stages.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kai, Takashi Aoki, Kazuhiro Onda, Rei Sakamoto, Nobuko Hashikawa
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Publication number: 20090267333Abstract: An air-bag (1) is provided with a vent aperture (2). A membrane (3) extends across the vent aperture, the membrane defining a smaller aperture (4) than the vent aperture (2). The periphery of the aperture is defined by a thickened part of the membrane. The membrane is formed of an elastic material such as a silicone rubber material. When a very high pressure exists in the air-bag the vent becomes deformed, thus increasing the size of the aperture defined by the membrane, permitting a relatively large flow of air from the air-bag to reduce the pressure within the air-bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2005Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Antonella Pittiglio, Alan Bradburn, Hugh Finn, Jack Johannson, Marc Phillips
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Patent number: 7604250Abstract: In an airbag device of the invention, by making use of a retainer which is made up of a retaining part which is provided on an outside of an inflator and bolt parts, an airbag and the inflator are fixed to a fixing wall portion of a case by fastening nuts onto the bolt parts which are caused to protrude from the fixing wall portion of the case in such a state the retaining part is housed within the airbag. A support projection is formed on the fixing wall portion in such a manner as to protrude therefrom toward the inflator side. When the nuts are fastened, the retainer moves the retaining part toward the fixing wall portion side, so that the inflator is held between and retained by abutment portions formed on the retaining part and the support projection.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Hotta, Atsushi Nagata
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Patent number: 7600778Abstract: An airbag module comprising a planar airbag and an elongate gas generator including discharge ports at least partially extending into the airbag. The airbag includes two side walls connected together by an edge region and made of fabric. An opening is disposed in the edge region of the airbag. The gas generator extends through the opening such that an elongate first section of the gas generator is arranged inside the gas bag. A gas-conducting element protects the fabric and is located in the airbag adjacent the opening. The gas-conducting element is made of plastic and includes a forward section having an arcuate cross section including an opening formed between at least two substantially parallel legs.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Benoit Schang, Anders Palo
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Patent number: 7600783Abstract: A gas generator that can prevent erroneous operation in which the combustion of a gas generating agent inside one combustion chamber is caused by the combustion of a gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber. Two combustion chambers 30, 50 are separated by a partition wall 35. The partition wall 35 is fixed by discontinuous protrusions 61, 62 formed in a housing 11. Air tightness between two combustion chambers 30, 50 is ensured by two retainers 80, 90.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Numoto, Eiichi Ryobo, Masayuki Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7597348Abstract: An airbag is formed from fabric layers joined at a seam, and gas generator inflates the airbag by means of gas expelled from the gas generator's insertion end which has been inserted into the airbag. A gas guide is formed in the airbag in order to direct gas from the gas generator into the airbag and includes a pouch-shaped gas guide member in which are formed gas injection nozzles and an attachment orifice. The insertion end of the gas generator is inserted into the attachment orifice with the gas injection nozzles facing an interior of the airbag. A convex-shaped seam is included where the fabric layers are joined, and is disposed in opposition to the gas guide member. The gas guide member comes into contact with the convex-shaped seam as a result of the pressure of the flow of gas from the gas generator through the gas guide member.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Masataka Fukuda, Yuichiro Yoshida, Makoto Higano, Mitsuo Nogami, Taro Shimizu
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Patent number: 7597351Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes a side airbag having a plurality of partitioned chambers therein to be inflated and deployed in a space between a side wall portion of a body of a motor vehicle and an occupant seated on a seat disposed inside the body. An inflator has an approximately cylindrical shape and blows gas out for inflating and deploying the side airbag from one side in a longitudinal direction of the inflator. A cylindrical member is disposed in a manner so as to cover the one side in the longitudinal direction of the inflator and has a squeezing portion for restricting a flow path of the gas blown out from the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Daisuke Kashiwagi
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Patent number: 7588265Abstract: A gas generating system including a mechanism (10) for releasing a pressurized fluid from a storage container (12). The mechanism (10) includes an enclosure (39) for receiving a gas from a gas source therein. An actuator (66) is slidably mounted in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure (39) for initiating release of the fluid by a sliding motion of the actuator (66). The actuator (66) is slidable in response to a force exerted by a gas from the gas source received in the enclosure (39). A stop portion is coupled to the enclosure (39) for restricting sliding motion of the actuator (66). A seal (86) is provided for sealing the container (12). A penetrator portion is formed on the actuator (66) for opening the seal (86) to release the fluid from the container (12). A diffuser (34) is provided for receiving pressurized fluid from the container (12) upon opening of the seal (86). The diffuser (34) includes gas exit apertures (36) formed therealong to enable distribution of the pressurized fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
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Publication number: 20090224520Abstract: The present invention preferably regulates discharge rate of the gas filling the air bag body from the vent hole provided in the air bag body. There is provided a bend section for applying tensile-force onto the pair of the faces to pull the faces in the longitudinal direction apart from the vent hole. When predetermined tensile-force is applied onto the pair of the faces, the faces become closed and sealed. Meanwhile, when smaller tensile-force than the predetermined tensile-force is applied, the pair of the faces become apart from each other and opened, so that the gas is discharged from this opening of the faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 7584987Abstract: A housing structure of an airbag includes: an airbag housing body having an airbag therein and vent holes formed therein; a partitioning plate installed to the airbag housing body and rotatable in an inward or an outward direction of the vent hole; a cover plate provided inside a slot hole formed along the width of the airbag housing body, and has a size large enough to be able to cover perforated regions of the vent holes and; a diffuser in which the first end is fixed to an outer end portion of the airbag housing body and extends along the inner surface of the airbag housing body and the second end of the diffuser being connected to the cover plate, thereby allowing gas to be generated in an inflator to push the cover plate forward.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyeong Ho Choi
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Publication number: 20090218796Abstract: An inflatable cushion for use in an airbag module is provided. The inflatable cushion generally includes a primary inflatable chamber configured for deployment from the air bag module, the primary inflatable chamber having an inlet opening for receipt of an inflation gas and the primary inflatable chamber defines a first volume. A secondary inflatable chamber secured to the primary inflation chamber, the secondary inflatable chamber defining a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume and the secondary inflatable chamber being in fluid communication with the primary inflatable chamber such that the inflation gas must travel through the primary inflatable chamber prior to reaching the secondary inflatable chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: James L. Webber, Hyun-Ho Park, Ryan T. Pinsenschaum, Laura A. Hawthorn
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Patent number: 7578522Abstract: 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 activaType: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Teppei Hanano, Takashi Okuyama
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Publication number: 20090189374Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag with a first hole and a second hole; a tube vent disposed outside the airbag, wherein a proximal end portion of the tube vent is connected to a portion of the airbag, which is located around the first hole, so that communication is provided between an inside of the tube vent and an inside of the airbag through the first hole, and a distal end portion of the tube vent is inserted from an outside of the airbag into the inside of the airbag through the second hole; and a holding portion that holds the distal end portion of the tube vent from the inside of the airbag, wherein when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the holding portion releases the tube vent, the distal end portion of the tube vent moves out of the second hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Akiyoshi Sanada
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Patent number: 7559574Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbHInventors: Marcus Magoley, Michael Schneider
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Publication number: 20090160166Abstract: An airbag apparatus of a vehicle includes a curtain airbag configured to be deployed from a first location proximate to an upper portion of a side window of the vehicle, the curtain airbag configured to extend to a lower portion of the side window when the curtain airbag is inflated, and a side airbag configured to be deployed from a second location proximate to the lower portion of the side window, wherein the side airbag is arranged to suppress a movement of the curtain airbag when the curtain airbag and the side airbag are inflated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tadahito Kataoka, Takuji Kawasaki, Yoshinori Maeda
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Patent number: 7549674Abstract: An occupant protection system is provided in which parts along the length of the airbag inflate substantially at the same time. The occupant protection system includes an airbag inflatable on a seat pan such that it pushes the front of a seat cushion upward and a gas generator for inflating the airbag. The airbag extends along the lateral width of the seat. The airbag includes a partition panel extending along the length of the airbag therein. In one form, the partition panel partitions the interior of the airbag into a first chamber and a second chamber which extend from one longitudinal end of the airbag to the other end. The gas generator is disposed in the first chamber. The partition panel has communication holes for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yoshikawa, Yasuo Itoga
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Patent number: 7530593Abstract: The invention creates an airbag device, wherein a driver's airbag is provided, at least substantially “stationary” relative to a steering wheel movement, and which has a shape that at least partially covers an adjacent A column of a vehicle in the inflated state or has a butterfly-like shape, which is correctly correlated with the driver by the embodiment of the driver's airbag stationary in any steering wheel position. Furthermore, the invention creates an operating method for such an airbag device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Inova GmbHInventor: Olaf Müller
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Publication number: 20090115173Abstract: In an air bag apparatus structured such that an air bag (11) housed in a part of a vehicle in a folded manner is inflated and deployed by a gas supplied from an inflator (14) so as to protect an occupant, the gas supplied from the inflator (14) is dispersed in a three-dimensional direction by a shower head (13a) so as to be supplied to a gas passage (11b) of the air bag (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isamu Takahara
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Publication number: 20090108572Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
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Publication number: 20090108573Abstract: An airbag gas flow apparatus for a steering wheel includes a housing and a rotatable gas guide positioned within the housing. The housing includes a base and a diffuser, the diffuser comprising at least one opening. The rotatable gas guide includes at least one open portion and a closed portion. A weight is added to the gas guide and is positioned diametrically opposite the closed portion. The weight remains substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion is positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position regardless of the rotational position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is rotated, the gas guide rotates relative to the housing and readjusts within the apparatus such that the weight remains positioned substantially at the 6 o'clock position and the closed portion remains positioned substantially at the 12 o'clock position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
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Patent number: 7523960Abstract: The cushion of an air bag module includes a first chamber part which deploys to one side of an occupant by a high pressure gas of an inflator, a second chamber part which is formed to communicate with the first chamber part and deploys to the other side of the occupant by the high pressure gas in the first chamber part, an inner pocket which is mounted on an inner side of the first chamber part to introduce gas from the inflator and has a plurality of vent holes to emit the gas into the first chamber part, and a diffuser provided at the vent holes of the inner pocket so that the gas emitted from the inner pocket forms an eddy current at a side of the second chamber part.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: June Young Song
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Patent number: 7516701Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazumasa Kurita, Kenjiro Ikeda, Akihiko Tanaka
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Publication number: 20090091106Abstract: The present invention relates to a side airbag for an automotive vehicle comprising a venting regulation device formed by a part made of a flexible material (21) joined to the inflatable cushion (11) such that it can completely or partially close or free the venting opening (17), and a tension belt (23) joined by one part to said part made of a flexible material (21) and by another part to the inflatable cushion (11), the geometric configurations of said tension belt (23) and said part made of a flexible material (21) being determined such that the degree of closing/freeing of the venting opening (17) varies according to the width of the inflatable cushion (11) during its different deployment phases during the collision, being closed in the initial and end phases and freed in the intermediate phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Isabelle Denys, Luis Jose Duarte De Arez
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Patent number: 7513527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Thomas Lube, Dirk Meissner, Heiko Hofmann, Andreas Winkler
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Patent number: 7510212Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for cutting one or more tethers connected with an airbag cushion and simultaneously, or sequentially, closing one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, an airbag module is provided that includes a tether opening and at least one vent opening. The tether may extend through the tether opening adjacent to a cutter. The cutter may be configured to cut the tether upon deployment of an actuator. A vent door configured to block the vent opening(s) upon deployment of the actuator may also be provided. This embodiment may therefore provided for simultaneous, or sequential, cutting of the tether and closing of the vent opening(s) with a single actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: David J. Green, Brent Parks, Bradley W. Smith
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Patent number: 7503581Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an occupant restraining device of a vehicle, comprising a substantially cup-like shaped diffuser shell having a plurality of gas discharge ports on a circumferential wall portion, a substantially cup-like shaped closure shell combined with the diffuser shell to form an outer container, a housing formed by the diffuser shell and closure shell, an ignition device, a gas generating agent ignited and combusted by activation of the ignition device to generate a combustion gas, and a substantially cylindrical filter for purifying and cooling the combustion gas generated from the gas generating agent, all accommodated in the housing, the housing formed by inserting part of an outer peripheral surface in the open portion side of the closure shell into part of the inner peripheral surface of the open portion side in the diffuser shell to abut against each other, so that they are integrated, the filter supported by abutting one end surface thereof against a ceiling surType: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Yabuta, Masayuki Ueda
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Publication number: 20090066067Abstract: 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: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernandez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hansel
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Patent number: 7497468Abstract: An airbag inflation deflection device and airbag module is disclosed. The deflection device may be a deflection hood that covers a portion of the airbag inflator, and is positioned adjacent inflator exit ports to initially deflect inflation gas away from an intended occupant position. The airbag module also includes a housing that may have side wells on either side of the inflator, in which the deflection hood initially deflects the inflation gas. The housing and deflection hood in combination may direct a majority of the inflation gas into the lateral portions of the airbag instead of into the center portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Changsoo Choi, Timothy A. DePottey
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Publication number: 20090039630Abstract: An airbag assembly is disclosed for use in an automobile. The disclosed airbag assembly adaptively vents gas from the interior of the airbag depending on whether an obstruction is encountered during airbag deployment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: David W. Schneider, Larry D. Rose
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Publication number: 20090026743Abstract: Airbag module for a car that consists of a bag (11) consisting of at least two chambers (13, 15) inflatable with gas produced by a generator (21) and providing to each one of them via outlets from a distributor conduit (23) connected to the generator (21); the outlets would be configured to provide varying gas pressure in such chambers (13, 15) that also include a diffuser (31, 33, 35, 37) associated to said distribution conduit 823) in order to prevent the passage of gas between the chambers (13, 15) through such distribution conduit (23) after finishing the gas supply from the generator (21) in order to maintain different pressure levels in both chambers (13, 15) during the entire interaction period with the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Luis Arez
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Patent number: 7481453Abstract: Method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle to protect an occupant in the event of a crash involving the vehicle in which an inflator having a propellant is arranged in the vehicle, the propellant is ignited after determination of a crash involving the vehicle to generate gas therefrom, the gas is directed into an airbag and pressure in the airbag is controlled based on the occupant by varying the flow of gas into the airbag. Variation in the flow of gas into the airbag may be obtained by varying a flow of aspirating gas into a mixing chamber in which the aspirating gas mixes with gas generated from the propellant.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David S. Breed
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Patent number: 7481454Abstract: An air bag apparatus is installed along the front-to-rear axis of the interior-facing side roof rail of a vehicle. The air bag has an air bag body, an inflator and a fluid body supply device. The air bag body has a plurality of inflatable chambers with at least one specific chamber and at least one general chamber. When in the deployed state, the specific chamber is positioned adjacent a structural pillar member of a vehicle side portion of the vehicle body. When in the deployed state the general chamber is located adjacent the vehicle side portion. In use, the inflator supplies a high-pressure fluid to the air bag body thereby inflating each of the chambers and the fluid supply delay device selectively delays the high-pressure fluid to the specific chamber relative to the general chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukisada Sunabashiri
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Publication number: 20090001699Abstract: A gas flow distributor for an airbag module distributing a gas flow generated by a gas generator to inflate an airbag, including fastening structures for fastening the gas flow distributor to a gas generator, the gas flow distributor being formed in the shape of a sleeve from a flexible material, wherein the fastening structures include at least one fastening tab that is formed at one end of the gas flow distributor and via which the gas flow distributor can be fastened to the gas generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Richard Honold, Ralf Gutmann, Reiner Jonas
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Patent number: 7452397Abstract: A filter (15) for an inflator, comprising a cylindrical body (15a) formed by winding wires (16) therearound. The cylindrical body (15a) further comprises an inner peripheral part (21) and an outer peripheral part (22) covering the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral part (21). The inner peripheral part (21) is formed by radially stacking a plurality of first pattern layers (18a) thereon. The outer peripheral part (22) is formed by radially stacking one or more second pattern layers (18a) on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral part (21). The first and second pattern layers (18a) and (18b) are formed of the wires (16) in net shapes. The mesh of the second pattern layers (18b) is smaller than that of the first pattern layer (18a).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichi Hirata
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Patent number: 7448647Abstract: An apparatus (10) provides inflation fluid to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (24) actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). A conduit (22) directs inflation fluid into the protection device (14) from the inflator (24). A deflector (50) is arranged in fluid communication with the conduit (22) and has at least a portion in fluid communication with the protection device (14). The deflector (50) is configured to direct inflation fluid into the protection device (14) in opposing directions to reduce the magnitude of pressure waves experienced by a vehicle occupant (28).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Kwen Hsu, Songwei Zhang, Ivanna Malinow, Charles E. Steffens, Jr.
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Patent number: 7448646Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle airbag assembly and method for deployment. An inflator is connected to an airbag wherein the inflator generates gases that cause inflation of the airbag. A housing substantially encloses the airbag and the inflator. The housing includes a vent hole for venting gases. An airbag tether is included having at least a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the airbag and the second end is attached to a venting member. The venting member, being configured to cover the vent hole, is moveable with respect to the housing. During a first airbag deployment stage, the venting member is forced away from the vent hole as the inflator generates gases. An actuator releases the second end of the airbag tether from the venting member during a second airbag deployment stage for the passage of gases through the vent hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ian Hall, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Sean Ryan
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Patent number: 7445238Abstract: First and second lateral flaps depending from the central portion of a panel of air bag material are folded inwards towards the central portion so as to form a duct of a deflector which is closed along a top portion thereof. The duct is located inside an air bag between an inflator mounted from the outside of the air bag, and a retaining structure located within the duct, wherein the outlet end of the inflator extends through the openings in the air bag, the duct, and the retaining structure so as to provide for discharging inflation gas into the duct, which directs the gas downwardly into the airbag through an outlet proximate to a bottom edge of the panel. Holes in the lateral flaps are aligned so as to receive inflator mounting fasteners of the retaining structure, and so as to form the duct.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Brandon Scott Marriott
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Publication number: 20080265549Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an air bag module, in particular for a knee air bag. The air bag module includes an air bag housing, a air bag cushion, a tubular gas generator, a air bag cushion holding device, and a gas guiding device, to which the tubular gas generator is fastened. The gas guiding device is integrally formed with the air bag cushion holding device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Wolfgang Kampfmann, Joachim Blattner, Andreas Terlunen
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Patent number: 7441803Abstract: Gas generator for air bag having any of the following members: deflecting member formed as tube portion capable of shielding gas discharge port formed on circumferential wall of housing from inside; coolant/filter means supporting member comprising annular portion arranged to face end surface of housing and wall portion contacting with inner periphery of coolant/filter means; coolant/filter means formed in cylindrical shape obtained by laminating wire mesh; housing securely fixing igniter included in ignition means, having opening portion for inserting and fixing igniter or igniter supporting member, wherein the opening portion is provided with connecting portion for fixing inserted igniter or igniter supporting member, and connecting portion is provided in inner side of housing rather than end surface having the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhito Miyaji, Yasunori Iwai, Masayuki Yamazaki, Yoshihiro Nakashima, Atsushi Hatomoto
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Patent number: 7438314Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generator device used in automobile safety to inflate an airbag. This device is characterized in that it comprises at least one gas source for inflating the airbag and at least one gas outlet orifice, called the first orifice, for gas to flow into the airbag, characterized in that it includes means for making the gas pass through other gas outlet orifices, called second orifices, which are distributed over the device so that it is given a neutral-thrust configuration when it is initiated, although not in service, the device also including means for closing off these second orifices when the device is in service, so that when the device is initiated, the gas passes via the first outlet orifice.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Livbag S.N.C.Inventors: Daniel Duvacquier, Christian Perotto, Franck Lebaudy, Xavier Abaziou
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Patent number: 7434836Abstract: An airbag module comprises a gas generator, a gas bag, and a gas guiding device which is connected to the gas bag and the gas generator. The gas guiding device comprises at least one outflow opening, through which the gas of the gas generator in the gas bag is guided. The airbag module will not be damaged or only slightly damaged if the airbag module is externally heated, for example, in a fire. The airbag module is configured such that if the gas generator is undesirably released, if the generator is externally heated, the airbag module is thrust-neutral.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Markus Leiffheit, Heinrich Einsiedel, Richard Frank, Ulrich Karlbauer
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Patent number: 7431329Abstract: Expansion of an air bag can be smoothly effected even in a small space by controlling the air bag in thickness and introduction of the gas for expansion, and the protection of an occupant can be rapidly implemented with a relatively small volume of the gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seigo Taguchi, Katsuyoshi Ishigame, Tsutomu Sugahara, Naoki Yamaji, Hidetaka Azuma