Robert E Krupp

US Patent:

6547277, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Feb 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/513256

Inventors:

Chris A. Adamini - Sterling Heights MI
Robert M. Krupp - Royal Oak MI

Assignee:

Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. - Farmington Hills MI

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280741, 280736, 102530

Abstract:

A gas generator utilizes a housing having two combustion chambers defined by a partition disposed intermediate the ends of the housing and retained by a pair of crimps disposed on opposite sides of the partition, respectively.

US Patent:

6752421, Jun 22, 2004

Filed:

Jan 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/335786

Inventors:

Paresh S. Khandhadia - Troy MI
Donald B. Patterson - New Hudson MI
Robert M. Krupp - Royal Oak MI

Assignee:

Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. - Farmington Hills MI

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280741, 280736, 102531

Abstract:

The present invention provides an inflator for an inflatable restraint system in an automobile. The inflator includes an elongate inflator body having a plurality of inflation apertures and defining a first combustion chamber wherein a first propellant charge is positioned. A partitioning assembly is nested within the inflator body , and positioned proximate the second end. The partitioning assembly defines a second combustion chamber wherein a second propellant charge is positioned. First and second initiators and are provided, and are selectively operable to ignite the propellant charges and respectively, thereby supplying an inflation gas via the first chamber to an inflatable restraint cushion.

US Patent:

6805377, Oct 19, 2004

Filed:

Apr 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/846004

Inventors:

Robert M. Krupp - Royal Oak MI
Sean P. Burns - Almont MI
Graylon K. Williams - Warren MI
Donald B. Patterson - New Hudson MI
Chris A. Adamini - Shelby Township MI
Paresh S. Khandhadia - Troy MI
Indu B. Mishra - Columbia MD

Assignee:

Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. - Farmington Hills MI

International Classification:

B60R 2128

US Classification:

280741, 280736, 2807281

Abstract:

An inflator of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing having a plurality of gas exit orifices spaced along the length thereof. An ignition body and propellant are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing wherein the ignition body is placed in physical contact with the propellant body for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the ignition body is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the propellant results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag , wherein the airbag is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing. Preferred mixtures of propellant contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a coolant.

US Patent:

7661707, Feb 16, 2010

Filed:

Apr 4, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/732851

Inventors:

Bruce A. Stevens - Oakland MI, US
Robert M. Krupp - Rochester MI, US
Donald B. Patterson - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

TK Holdings, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/26

US Classification:

280736

Abstract:

A gas generating system is provided including a housing and a divider for dividing an interior of the housing into a first interior portion and a second interior portion. The divider defines a fluid flow path therethrough enabling fluid communication from the first interior portion to the second interior portion. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for constricting the fluid flow path responsive to a pressure within the first interior portion, thereby enabling the pressure within the first interior portion to be maintained within a predetermined range. A vehicle occupant protection system including the gas generating system is also disclosed.

US Patent:

7681916, Mar 23, 2010

Filed:

Dec 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/648457

Inventors:

Robert M. Krupp - Rochester MI, US
Donald B. Patterson - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

TK Holdings, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/26
B01D 46/10
B01D 46/24

US Classification:

280742, 280736, 280740, 55520, 55521, 428116, 428118

Abstract:

A filter for use in absorbing heat from gases generated in a gas generating system is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of discrete, continuous gas flow passages extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter is incorporated into an inflator used for inflating an inflatable element of a vehicle occupant protection system. A gas generator incorporating the filter and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also described.

US Patent:

7708798, May 4, 2010

Filed:

Mar 12, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/716949

Inventors:

Robert M. Krupp - Rochester MI, US
Donald B. Patterson - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

TK Holdings, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

B01D 39/12
B60R 21/26

US Classification:

55525, 280736, 280740, 280742

Abstract:

A filter is provided defining an enclosure having a volume that is resiliently variable responsive to an internal pressure within the enclosure. A gas generating system, an airbag system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also disclosed.

US Patent:

7806436, Oct 5, 2010

Filed:

Jun 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/820337

Inventors:

Bruce A. Stevens - Oakland MI, US
Donald B. Patterson - Rochester MI, US
Robert M. Krupp - Rochester MI, US
David M. McCormick - St. Clair Shore MI, US

Assignee:

TK Holdings, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/272
B60R 21/26
B60R 21/264
B60R 21/268

US Classification:

280741, 280736, 280742

Abstract:

A gas generating system includes a first enclosure containing a gas, and a second enclosure having a gas generant material contained therein. The second enclosure is operatively coupled to the first enclosure so as to enable fluid communication between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. After activation of the gas generating system, the gas in the first enclosure passes through the second enclosure prior to exiting the system.

US Patent:

8113542, Feb 14, 2012

Filed:

Jan 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/321537

Inventors:

Bruce A. Stevens - Oakland MI, US
Robert M. Krupp - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

TK Holdings, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/26

US Classification:

280737

Abstract:

A gas seal for containing a pressurized fluid in a container. The gas seal includes a rupturable portion and an extension coupled to the rupturable portion such that a predetermined minimum force acting on the extension produces a rupture of the rupturable portion, permitting pressurized fluid flow past the gas seal. An inflator and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the gas seal are also disclosed.