Teleflex, Inc.

Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Michael Ray Hall

David S Malone

Timotheye P Tighe

Jean-Francois Roy

Michael V Reasoner

John William Harrison

Orest Iwasiuk

Eric Drake

Thomas C Burton

Jeffrey W Ronne

Paul Emig

Keri L Setera

Terry S Jones

Lori Pijaszek

Dan Chegash

A retention tab unit is disclosed comprising a retention tab configured for attaching an inflatable curtain to a vehicle. The retention tab unit has an energy absorption mechanism that facilitates confinement of the retention tab in an initial configuration wherein the retention tab is not taut. Once the inflatable curtain is deployed, the energy absorption mechanism is configured to release the retention tab from its initial configuration and allow it to be forced into a deployed configuration wherein the retention tab tautly extends from the vehicle.

Inflatable curtain cushion tab shock absorption

An inflatable curtain having an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion is disclosed. First and second stiffening elements are positioned along the upper edge of the inflatable curtain. The inflatable curtain is adapted to be stored within an interior portion of a vehicle prior to inflation. The vehicle has a roof at its highest point, and a housing within the vehicle and close to the roof defines an internal recess that accommodates the inflatable curtain. A side impact of a magnitude greater than a predetermined threshold value is sensed by a sensor mechanism within the vehicle, which then provides an electrical signal to an inflator which is in fluid communication with the inflatable portion of the inflatable curtain. The electrical signal causes the inflator to be actuated in a known manner. The inflator discharges fluid under pressure into the inflatable portion of the inflatable curtain. Shortly after the inflator discharges, the housing opens and the inflatable curtain inflates away from the roof. The first and second stiffening elements provide column support to the inflatable curtain during inflation and reduce the amount of time it takes for the inflatable curtain to become fully inflated.

Inflatable curtain support device

A method of fabricating a remote control assembly having a conduit (,) movably supporting a core element (,) with an end fitting (,) disposed on the conduit (,) for mechanical engagement with a ferrule (,) and a slug (,) disposed on the core element (,). The method comprises the steps of selecting a ferrule (,) for supporting the conduit (,) on a support structure (,) from a plurality of ferrule (,) configurations and snapping the ferrule (,) into mechanical connection with the end fitting (,) while inserting the core element (,) through the conduit (,) and ferrule (,). A terminal member (,), having a slug pocket (,) therein and a connector for connection configurations and it is placed on the core element (,) with the slug (,) in the slug pocket (,). A collar (,) is placed over the slug pocket (,) as the collar (,) is mechanically connected to the terminal member (,) to cover the slug pocket (,) and retain the slug (,) in the slug pocket (,). The selection may be of a ferrule (,) having a first outside guide tube (,) and a collar (,) having a first inside guide tube (,) for telescoping relationship with the first outside guide tube (,) or, sequentially may be of a collar (,) with a second outside guide tube (,) and placing a second inside guide tube (,) to extend from the end fitting (,) for telescoping relationship with the second outside guide tube (,).

Method of fabricating a control assembly choosing from multiple components

A method of fabricating a remote control assembly having a conduit (12) movably supporting a core element (14) with an end fitting (16) disposed on the conduit (12) for mechanical engagement with a ferrule (18) and a slug (20) disposed on the core element (14). The method comprises the steps of selecting a ferrule (18) for supporting the conduit (12) on a support structure (22) from a plurality of ferrule (18) configurations and snapping the ferrule (18) into mechanical connection with the end fitting (16) while inserting the core element (14) through the conduit (12) and ferrule (18). A terminal member (38, 138, 238), having a slug pocket (40) therein and a connector for connection to a control member, is selected from a plurality of terminal member (38, 138, 238) configurations and it is placed on the core element (14) with the slug (20) in the slug pocket (40). A collar (42) is placed over the slug pocket (40) as the collar (42) is mechanically connected to the terminal member (38, 138, 238) to cover the slug pocket (40) and retain the slug (20) in the slug pocket (40). The selection may be of a ferrule (18) having a first outside guide tube (28) and a collar (42) having a first inside guide tube (48) for telescoping relationship with the first outside guide tube (28) or, sequentially may be of a collar (42) with a second outside guide tube (50) and placing a second inside guide tube (52) to extend from the end fitting (16) for telescoping relationship with the second outside guide tube (50).

Method of fabricating a control assembly choosing from multiple

Remote control assembly having universal components

A motion-transmitting remote-control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting motion along a curved path by a flexible motion-transmitting core element (12) with a conduit (14) slidably supporting the core element (12). A terminal (30) has a bore (32) extending therethrough and defines oppositely facing first (32a) and second (32b) openings with the second opening (32b) disposed for connecting the core element (12) to a control member (24). An adjustment interconnects the terminal (30) and the core element (12) for adjusting the position of the terminal (30) axially along the core element (12) and includes a lock button (36) movable between an unlocked position extending from the assembly and a locked position within the assembly for locking the axial position of the terminal (30) relative to the core element (12). The assembly is characterized by a collar (58) locked in a shipping position by the extended lock button (36) for preventing the insertion of a control member (28) into the first opening (32a) and movable to an installed position for maintaining the lock button (36) in the locked position. Therefore, the collar (58) prevents an installer from inadvertently inserting a control member (28) into the first opening (32a) during installation and thereafter insures that the lock button (36) is fully in the locked position when moved to the installed position. The collar (58) is slidably movable along the terminal (30) for blocking entry into the first opening (32a) in the shipping position and for covering the lock button (36) in the fully installed position.

Security collar for adjustable core element terminal

The remote control assembly (10) includes a fitting (16) characterized by a U-shaped lock (40) supported on the fitting (16) for movement between an unlocked position, to allow movement of the L-shaped arm (32) to a deflected position, and a locked position, to prevent the projection (34) on the L-shaped arm (32) from moving out of gripping engagement with the hole (38) in the bulkhead.

Lock for slide and lock L-arm

Growing community of inventors

Ortonville, MI, United States of America

Michael Ray Hall