Thomas A Minor

US Patent:

57999694, Sep 1, 1998

Filed:

Mar 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/819890

Inventors:

Daniel E. Coleman - Mesa AZ
Thomas O. Minor - Scottsdale AZ

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

2807282

Abstract:

A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a reaction structure (16), an inflator (14) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device (12), an initiator (102) for initiating a flow of inflation fluid from the inflator (14), and a tubular connector (104) containing the initiator (102). The connector (104) engages the inflator (14), and extends through an aperture (176) in the reaction structure (16). A fastener (182) engages the connector (104) to fasten the connector (104), the initiator (102) and the inflator (14) to the reaction structure (16). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) further includes a diffuser (150) with a circular end wall (152) and a cylindrical side wall (154) projecting axially from the end wall (152). The side wall (154) of the diffuser (150) has fluid flow openings (156), and has an annular edge portion (158) crimped against a rim structure (160) on the inflator (14). A mounting stud (162) projects radially from the diffuser (150) and extends through an aperture (178) in the reaction structure (16).

US Patent:

54092540, Apr 25, 1995

Filed:

Dec 3, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/162806

Inventors:

Thomas O. Minor - Scottsdale AZ
Stephen L. Kretschmer - Mequon WI
Michael J. Erickson - Howell MI

Assignee:

A. O. Smith Corporation - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

B60G 1150

US Classification:

280665

Abstract:

In a front wheel drive vehicle, a rear suspension system is provided for non-driven non-steered rear wheels. A twist beam axle extends along a transverse horizontal line between the rear wheels, and a pair of coil springs extend along respective spaced parallel axes intersecting the noted transverse horizontal line. A stabilizer torsion bar extends along the transverse horizontal line of the twist beam axle. Each spring seat assembly is attached between its respective wheel spindle mounting plate and the twist beam axle such that the wheel spindle mounting plate is spaced outwardly of the twist beam axle. The stabilizer torsion bar extends between the spring seat assemblies and is attached to each at a point spaced inwardly of the respective wheel spindle mounting plate and inboard of the respective coil spring. Upper and lower mating shell structure is provided for the spring seat assemblies, including an upper surface with an opening therein through which the respective coil spring extends. The mating shells have overlapped surfaces providing sections of increased thickness stock.