Daniel G Minert

US Patent:

58269045, Oct 27, 1998

Filed:

Jun 10, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/664995

Inventors:

Kelly D. Ellis - Roy UT
Daniel G. Minert - Clearfield UT
Davin G. Saderholm - Salt Lake City UT
Brian M. Shaklik - Fruit Heights UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280737

Abstract:

A compressed gas inflator to be used in passive restraint airbag systems is disclosed. The inflator includes a manifold which discharges the inflation gas in the direction the airbag cushion is intended to inflate, resulting in less damage being inflicted on the airbag cushion during inflation and more consistent airbag inflation performance.

US Patent:

56672411, Sep 16, 1997

Filed:

Oct 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/543953

Inventors:

S. Mark Bunker - Ogden UT
Daniel G. Minert - Clearfield UT
David J. Green - Brigham City UT
Davin G. Saderholm - Salt Lake City UT
J. Kirk Storey - Farmington UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2122

US Classification:

2807302

Abstract:

An airbag module and mounting. An inflator is received within the cushion, such that the cushion wraps around the back side of the inflator. The inflator includes an extending fastener, and possibly an extending tab. The inflator, or the tab, is partially retained by a receiving structure on the seat. The fastener extends through another section of the seat, such that securing the fastener secures the entire inflator. Additionally, since the cushion surrounds the inflator, the cushion is also secured. To maintain the cushion in the folded condition, a frangible wrap extends around the cushion and inflator. Upon inflation, the frangible wrap, and the seat covering, are torn by the expanding cushion to permit further expansion. This arrangement eliminates the need for a protective housing for the inflator and cushion. Other mounting arrangements are also provided.

US Patent:

56115636, Mar 18, 1997

Filed:

May 8, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/643450

Inventors:

Brent K. Olson - Clearfield UT
J. Kirk Storey - Farmington UT
David J. Green - Brigham City UT
Davin G. Saderholm - Salt Lake City UT
S. Mark Bunker - North Ogden UT
Daniel G. Minert - Clearfield UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

2807282

Abstract:

An airbag inflator assembly including an airbag inflator and an inflator attachment having a sleeve. The inflator includes an elongated sidewall and an end having a flange stop extending outwardly from the sidewall. The sleeve receives and supports the sidewall of the inflator with the flange stop butting against the sleeve. The sleeve has an inwardly extending resilient tab that faces away from the flange stop and engages a gas exhaust port defined by the sidewall to retain the inflator within the sleeve. At least one stud extends transversely to and outwardly from the sleeve for mounting the inflator attachment and inflator within an airbag module. The inflator attachment further includes at least two spaced-apart pairs of diametrically opposed ribs protruding inwardly from the sleeve and grippingly engaging the sidewall of the inflator. The sleeve also defines gas exhaust outlets, which on different versions of the sleeve may vary to accommodate different types of inflators. According to one alternative embodiment, the inflator does not include a flange stop.

US Patent:

57658633, Jun 16, 1998

Filed:

Jun 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/871463

Inventors:

J. Kirk Storey - Farmington UT
Brent K. Olson - Clearfield UT
Larry F. Lunt - Brigham City UT
Davin G. Saderholm - Salt Lake City UT
Daniel G. Minert - Clearfield UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2124

US Classification:

280729

Abstract:

An airbag module having a cushion with a compression-deployed volume. The module includes an inflator which produces a quantity of inflation gas. This gas inflates only a first volume of the cushion, which is positioned to protect a first portion of a passenger's body. Compression of the first volume by the passenger forces the gas from the first volume into a second volume, to thus inflate the second volume. The second volume is positioned to protect a second portion of the passenger's body. The initial quantity of inflation gas is thus reused, reducing the amount of gas required. This in turn reduces the size and cost of the inflator. The module is preferred for side impact protection, and a fold arrangement suited to accurate deployment is provided. The folded cushion may be secured to the inflator by a frangible film wrap, eliminating the need for an exterior housing. The module is preferably mounted upon the side of the passenger seat back.