Sensor For Use With Air Bag Inflator And Method For Making
US Patent:
5586386, Dec 24, 1996
Filed:
Nov 16, 1995
Appl. No.:
8/559217
Inventors:
Daniel Morin - North Providence RI
Assignee:
Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX
International Classification:
H01H 3534
US Classification:
29622
Abstract:
A pressure responsive sensor 10 for use with a vehicular air bag inflation system is shown having an electric switch 24 actuatable by a snap acting disc 40 when the gas pressure in the gas storage bottle 48 decreases to a selected low level. The snap acting disc 40 is exposed on one side to the gas mixture P1 in bottle 48 and the opposite side to a reference gas mixture P2 in a reference chamber 34. The gas mixture P2 in the reference chamber is filled to a lower pressure level than hat in the bottle in order to provide switch actuation at the desired level and comprises a mixture of gases to enhance leakage testing and tracking of the pressure vs. temperature characteristic curve of the bottle gas mixture.
Sensor For Use With Air Bag Inflator And Method For Making
US Patent:
5504288, Apr 2, 1996
Filed:
Oct 17, 1994
Appl. No.:
8/323955
Inventors:
Daniel Morin - North Providence RI
Assignee:
Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX
International Classification:
H01H 3534
US Classification:
200 83P
Abstract:
A pressure responsive sensor 10 for use with a vehicular air bag inflation system is shown having an electric switch 24 actuatable by a snap acting disc 40 when the gas pressure in the gas storage bottle 48 decreases to a selected low level. The snap acting disc 40 is exposed on one side to the gas mixture P1 in bottle 48 and the opposite side to a reference gas mixture P2 in a reference chamber 34. The gas mixture P2 in the reference chamber is filled to a lower pressure level than that in the bottle in order to provide switch actuation at the desired level and comprises a mixture of gases to enhance leakage testing and tracking of the pressure vs. temperature characteristic curve of the bottle gas mixture.
123 Summer St, Worcester, MA 01608 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 55 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905
Fluid Pressure Responsive Electric Switch
US Patent:
5814779, Sep 29, 1998
Filed:
Oct 1, 1996
Appl. No.:
8/724202
Inventors:
George Verras - Mansfield MA Daniel Morin - North Providence RI
Assignee:
Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX
International Classification:
H01H 3534
US Classification:
200 83P
Abstract:
A fluid pressure responsive electric switch (100) is shown in which first and second discrete electrical switches are controlled. A first movable support ring (122) mounts first and second snap acting discs (120a, 124a) on opposite sides thereof, the discs each having the normally concave surface facing the support ring. The first disc receives a force through a pressure to force converter (134) which is transferred through the second disc to a second movable support (126) and a third snap acting disc (128a) having a normally concave surface facing a related movable contact arm. When the system pressures exceeds a first minimum level the third disc (128a) snaps allowing a motion transfer pin to transfer a force to the movable contact arm (118a) of a compressor actuation switch (118) to energize the compressor. When system pressure increases to a second higher level the first disc (120c) snaps and transfers motion via a motion transfer pin (120c) to the movable arm (116a) of a fan actuation switch to energize the fan. If the system pressure increases to a third still higher level, the second disc (124a) snaps thereby allowing the spring bias of the movable arm (118a) of the compressor actuation switch to separate from the mating stationary contact to thereby de-energize the compressor.
Pressure Switch Apparatus For Monitoring Pressure Level In An Enclosed Chamber And Methods Of Calibrating Same And For Making A Movable Contact Arm For Use Therewith
US Patent:
5331126, Jul 19, 1994
Filed:
Jun 15, 1993
Appl. No.:
8/076041
Inventors:
Daniel Dwyer - Norton MA Daniel Morin - North Providence RI Massimo Mazzola - Napoli, IT Karl R. Abrahamson - Easton MA
Assignee:
Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX
International Classification:
H01H 3534
US Classification:
200 83P
Abstract:
A low pressure monitor for hybrid air bag systems for vehicles includes a pressure responsive disc 34. 6 exposed on one side to a reference pressure chamber 34. 11 and on the other side to the pressure in an air bag bottle 40 and positioned adjacent a movable arm 28. 10 of an electric switch, The switch includes an electrically conductive sheet having a first portion partially encased in a base 26 of electrically insulative material and being connected to a first terminal 14 and a second portion forming the movable contact arm 28. 10 extending from the insulative material and culminating with a portion formed with contact rib 28. 14 adapted to be received beneath a laterally extending stationary contact portion 22 of a second terminal 16. Tabs 28. 4, 28. 6 extend from the sheet out of the insulative material for connection to a resistor 30 mounted on the electrically insulative base and a frangible portion 28. 7 of the first portion is severed to place the resistor in series with the electrical contacts, The monitor is disposed in an air bag bottle with the disc 34.