Thomas P Arbogast

Title: Thomas P. Arbogast: Innovator in Seat Belt Technology

Introduction

Thomas P. Arbogast hails from Troy, Michigan, and has made significant contributions to the field of automotive safety through his innovative inventions. With a remarkable portfolio comprising three patents, Arbogast's work primarily focuses on enhancing seat belt mechanisms, which play a crucial role in protecting vehicle occupants.

Latest Patents

Arbogast's latest patents showcase his ingenuity in safety technology. One of his notable inventions is a method and apparatus for indicating the locked or unlocked condition of a seat belt tongue. This invention utilizes a Hall effect device that responds to magnetic fields to indicate whether the seat belt tongue is securely locked in the buckle. The device detects the direction of the magnetic field and provides a clear output regarding its status.

Another significant patent revolves around a seat belt retractor mechanism. This invention offers improvements to a traditional seat belt retractor by incorporating an inertia sensing element and an electromagnet. The enhanced design ensures that the locking element engages properly during rapid vehicle acceleration or deceleration, thus improving safety. The electromagnet's innovative flat pole and keeper surfaces create additional magnetic attraction when the vehicle door is open, ensuring safety measures are not inadvertently triggered by occupants entering or exiting the vehicle.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Thomas P. Arbogast has worked with prominent companies, including Wickes Manufacturing Company and TRW Limited. His experience in these organizations has significantly contributed to the advancement of automotive safety technologies, allowing him to transform his ideas into practical inventions.

Collaborations

Arbogast has had the opportunity to collaborate with talented professionals in the industry, including Derrick G. Titus and David Eilola. These collaborations have likely enriched his work and fostered innovative solutions in the field of seat belt technology.

Conclusion

Thomas P. Arbogast's contributions to automotive safety through his inventive designs highlight the essential role of innovation in protecting lives on the road. His patents serve as a testament to his dedication to advancements in safety technology, ultimately reflecting the impact that inventors like him have on improving everyday life.