Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Thomas Osentoski

William P Braun

John P Wallner

Thomas L Peer

Ernst M Faigle

Tracy S Sparks

Alex G Meduvsky

Jerome W Emery

Michael B Kutchey

Thomas L Ruhlman

An apparatus ( ) for actuating a braking system of a vehicle ( ) comprises a brake pedal ( ) and an actuating member ( ) movable to actuate the braking system. A release mechanism ( ) is connected between the brake pedal ( ) and the actuating member. The release mechanism ( ) has a first condition connecting the actuating member ( ) for movement with the brake pedal ( ). The release mechanism ( ) has a second condition releasing the brake pedal ( ) for movement relative to the actuating member ( ) under load applied to the brake pedal by the vehicle occupant. The release mechanism ( ) when in the second condition resists movement of the brake pedal ( ) relative to the actuating member ( ). The apparatus ( ) further comprises at least one sensor ( ) operative to sense a vehicle condition or an occupant condition and to provide a first output signal. A controller ( ) receives the first output signal and in response controls the release mechanism ( ) to control the resistance of the release mechanism to movement of the brake pedal ( ) relative to the actuating member ( ).

Energy absorbing brake pedal

An apparatus ( ) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( ) inflatable in a first direction away from a vehicle roof ( ) into a position between a side structure ( ) of the vehicle ( ) and a vehicle occupant. An elongated member ( ) is connected to the side structure ( ) and has a first end ( ), an opposite second end ( ) and a length measured between the first and second ends. An element ( ) is connected to the protection device ( ) and at least partially encircles the elongated member ( ). The element ( ) is slidable along the elongated member ( ) in the first direction when the protection device ( ) is inflated. The element ( ) includes at least one portion ( ) that engages the elongated member ( ) and blocks the element from sliding along the elongated member in a direction opposite the first direction.

Inflatable curtain with anchor device

An apparatus ( ) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle ( ) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( ) having a deflated condition and being inflatable into a position to help protect the vehicle occupant. The apparatus ( ) also comprises a housing ( ) for mounting in the vehicle. The housing ( ) includes a chamber ( ) receiving the inflatable device in the deflated condition. The housing ( ) includes a first housing part ( ) having a locking rib ( ), and a second housing part ( ) having a locking groove ( ) and an opening ( ) into the locking groove. The locking rib ( ) is movable in a first direction ( ) through the opening ( ) into the locking groove ( ) for releasably closing the housing ( ) with the inflatable device ( ) inside the chamber. The first housing part ( ) has a tool receiving portion ( ) adjacent the locking rib ( ). The tool receiving portion ( ) has a tool receiving surface ( ) extending transverse to the first direction ( ) for receiving an assembly tool ( ). The assembly tool ( ) applies force to move the locking rib ( ) in the first direction ( ) through the opening ( ) into the locking groove ( ).

Housing for inflatable vehicle occupant protection device

An apparatus ( ) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle ( ) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( ) inflatable away from a vehicle roof ( ) between a vehicle side structure ( ) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus ( ) further comprises an anchoring device ( ) that comprises a track ( ) and an element ( ) that is slidable along the track. The track ( ) is connected to the side structure ( ) and has a wall ( ) comprising a smooth uninterrupted surface ( ). The element ( ) is connected to the device ( ) and has a surface ( ) that is in continuous engagement with the surface ( ) of the wall ( ). The device ( ) applies a first force to the element ( ) which causes the element to slide in a first direction along the track ( ). The element ( ) is urged to slide along the track ( ) in a second direction, opposite the first direction, when a second force is applied to the element. The surface ( ) of the element ( ) engages the surface ( ) of the wall ( ) to block the element from sliding in the second direction.

An air bag inflator (10) includes a housing (12) open at one end. Inflator parts including gas generating material (70) are disposed in the housing (12). A retainer assembly (138) in the housing has a first part (170) expanded outwardly into interlocking engagement with a part (30) of the housing wall (14) adjacent the opening (24). This blocks movement of the retainer assembly (138) relative to the housing (12) toward the open end (24) of the housing (12). An end cap (90) is screwed into the open end (24) of the housing (12) after the retainer (140) is positioned in and interlocked with the housing (12). The retainer (140) is disposed intermediate the end cap (90) and the gas generating material (70). Because retainer (140) is disposed between the gas generating material (70) and a body of auto ignition material (122) in the end cap (90), a nozzle ( 150) is formed in the retainer (140) to direct auto ignition combustion products toward the gas generating material (70).

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Marysville, MI, United States of America

Thomas Osentoski