Morton International, Inc.

Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Michael J Ward

David J Green

Karl K Rink

Steven R Fredin

Russell S Gans

Thomas M Kriska

Kay H Prescaro

Charles P Caruso, Jr

Inflatable device inflation assemblies wherein a gas source material is released from an inflator apparatus into an inflatable device wherein the gas source material may, such as upon actuation of an initiator device situated within the inflatable device, dissociate or otherwise form gaseous products for the inflation of the inflatable device. An inflatable restraint system is also provided which includes a plurality of inflatable devices each operatively joined with a chamber which contains a dissociative gas source material. The system includes at least one first initiator effective upon actuation to initiate dissociation of the gas source material within a selected one of the plurality of inflatable devices. A method for inflating an inflatable device is also provided wherein a quantity of at least one gas source material is released into the inflatable device and which gas source material, when initiated, undergoes dissociation to form dissociation products including at least one gaseous dissociation product.

Arrangements and methods for inflatable device formation of inflation gas

Featured for use as a part of an inflatable restraint system is a reaction canister assembly with a body part and frame structure that reduces and/or minimizes the number of component parts, including fasteners, incorporated therein.

Inflatable restraint assembly

A guide device for directing the deployment of an automotive air bag cushion toward the torso of an occupant by means of a tether which is folded and attached to itself at a number of locations by rupturable seams. As the air bag cushion deploys the truncated tether or tethers cause the cushion to rotate about a point where the cushion is attached to the canister thereby moving the cushion in a downward direction. The cushion is thereby moved into position in front of the occupant's torso more quickly than an air bag cushion equipped with a tether without tearseams.

Tethers with tearseams for air bag cushion

The requirement for a hinge, tether, or other connection between the breakaway door of an automotive airbag installation and a fixed attachment point is eliminated. This is accomplished by substituting a pressure-sensitive material connecting the door with the material of the airbag itself.

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Liberty, UT, United States of America

Michael J Ward