Thomas & Betts International LLC

Augat Inc.

Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Bradford K Gauker

David James Rhein

Scott J Lapraik

Joshua Forwerck

Todd E Allen

Francis Nile Smith

A seal assembly includes a cover. A panel sealing apparatus includes the seal assembly. The apparatus includes a wall defining an orifice and the cover is disposed through the orifice. The cover includes a collar and a flange extending outwardly away from the collar. The cover defines an aperture through the collar and the flange. The assembly also includes a plate overlapping the flange and defining a hole. The collar of the cover is disposed through the hole. The assembly further includes a seal defining a passageway. The cover is disposed through the passageway. The assembly also includes a bushing defining an opening. The collar of the cover is disposed through the opening such that the bushing surrounds the collar. At least one of the plate and the bushing is configured to allow movement of the cover independently of the seal.

Panel sealing apparatus and a seal assembly

An occupant classification system for recognizing the type of occupant of a motor vehicle seat especially for use in controlling an inflatable restraint system. The classification system utilizes a number of on-off electrical switches arranged in a pattern on a seat cushion mat. Signals from the switches may be processed in a variety of manners to characterize the occupant.

Electronic seat occupant classification system

An orientation less squib connector for an automotive air bag assembly is disclosed. The squib connector includes a connector configured to fit within a squib socket. A connector position assurance member (CPA) is mounted on the connector body for movement between an open position and a closed position. The CPA includes an abutment member positioned to abut against a portion of the connector body to prevent movement of the connector position assurance member out of the open position. The CPA also includes a flexural member configured to abut against the socket to deflect the flexural member and the abutment member out of abutment with the portion of the connector body, whereby the connector position assurance member is movable to the closed position to prevent removal of the connector from the socket.

Orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies

An orientationless squib connector assembly (,) for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin (,) is provided axially aligned within a squib socket (,). An annular ground plate (,) surrounds the initiator pin (,) near the base of the socket. An associated connector includes a first, axially located terminal for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal comprising a depending beam radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket. Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle. Preferably, the entering wires are also axially aligned with the first and second terminals.

Grounding plate for orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies

A squib connector socket assembly for automotive air bags includes a shorting clip assembly. The squib connector socket assembly holds a pair of igniter pins of a squib assembly which are connectable to a pair of terminals in a squib connector which plugs into the socket assembly. To prevent accidental firing when the squib connector is removed, the igniter pins are shorted by a shorting clip having a pair of resilient, bowed beams which are independently biassed into contact with the pins. The shorting clip is fixedly retained within a plastic socket insert. The socket insert and squib assembly are assembled within a metal socket which is roll crimped about the insert and squib assembly to form an inseparable, integral squib connector socket assembly.

Method of forming a squib connector socket assembly having shorting clip

An orientationless squib connector assembly (10) for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin (24, 326) is provided axially aligned within a squib socket (12, 324). An annular ground plate (28, 328) surrounds and shunts to ground the initiator pin near the base of the socket. An associated connector (16, 202, 312, 410) includes a first, axially located terminal (64, 280, 314, 416) for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal (66, 282, 316, 418) comprising a depending leg or beam (110, 320) radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket and for moving a part of the ground plate (28) out of electrical engagement with pin (24). Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle. Preferably, the entering wires, surrounded by a ferrite block (84), are also axially aligned with the first and second terminals. CPAs (72, 322, 420) may be used to prevent unlatching of the connector assembly. Closure of the CPA may be prevented by a blocking feature on the associated connector that is automatically displaced when the connector is properly engaged in the socket.

Orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag

A squib connector socket assembly for automotive air bags includes a shorting clip assembly. The squib connector socket assembly holds a pair of igniter pins of a squib assembly which are connectable to a pair of terminals in a squib connector which plugs into the socket assembly. To prevent accidental firing when the squib connector is removed, the igniter pins are shorted by a shorting clip having a pair of resilient , bowed beams which are independently biassed into contact with the pins. The shorting clip is fixedly retained within a plastic socket insert. The socket insert and squib assembly are assembled within a metal socket which is roll crimped about the insert and squib assembly to form an inseparable, integral squib connector socket assembly.

Squib connector socker assembly having shorting clip for automotive air

A squib connector for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. The squib connector includes a connector position assurance mechanism (CPA) to ensure that the connector is properly connected to the squib receptacle and a connector lock assurance mechanism (CLA) to ensure that the connector is locked into the receptacle. The connector includes a pair of terminals each having contact beams which provide at least four points of contact with the terminals of the squib. Primary and secondary terminal latches ensure that the terminals are firmly retained within the connector. Wire strain relief is provided by placing an intentional bend in the wires and rounding the end of the connector where the wires enter.

Squib connector for automotive air bag assembly

A three-position rotary door lock switch assembly for automobiles is provided. The switch assembly includes a rotor with reversely curved rotor contact beams having a dual radiussed contact zone with upturned edges which provide good contact and minimize gouging or grooving of the associated stator contacts. The switch assembly also includes a housing assembly sealed to keep out environmental contaminants and moisture. Additional sealing is provided at the area where the wires enter the assembly between the housings and the rotor.

Growing community of inventors

Clinton Township, MI, United States of America

Bradford K Gauker