The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 10, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 24, 1998
Shawn Gregory Ryan, Dayton, OH (US);
James Lloyd Webber, Shelby Twp., Macomb County, MI (US);
Allen Richard Starner, Springboro, OH (US);
Alex Scott Damman, Dublin, OH (US);
Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
An air bag module is provided for inflating an air bag cushion at variable rates in response to rapid deceleration of a motor vehicle. The air bag module includes an inflator for generating inflator gas to inflate an air bag cushion upon the sensing rapid deceleration of a vehicle. An annular cushion retainer is disposed about the inflator for directing gases from the inflator to the air bag cushion. The cushion retainer includes an annular cavity in fluid communication with the air bag cushion by a vent opening to selectively direct gas away from the air bag cushion during a reduced level of deployment. A controller generates an ignition signal to the inflator in response to velocity responsive sensors. In response to the ignition signals, the inflator releases an appropriate predetermined volume of gas into the air bag cushion. The level of deployment or inflation of the air bag cushion is dependent on the actuation of a slide actuator assembly arranged to selectively block the vent opening of the cushion retainer to restrict or block gas flow directed away from the air bag cushion to the exterior of the air bag module.