Gerold M Pratt

US Patent:

56137052, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Mar 24, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/410626

Inventors:

Christopher Hock - Uintah UT
Gerold W. Pratt - Bountiful UT
Michael P. Jordan - South Weber UT
Alan J. Ward - N. Ogden UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280741

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to the use of protective layers on or adjacent to interior surfaces of the metal housings of gas generators, or inflators, used in automotive airbag systems. The protective layers are provided to protect such housings from deterioration which might otherwise be caused by impingement of the high temperature and chemically reactive generated gases and other associated reaction products on the interior surfaces of the housing. The protective layers can be in the form of coatings or platings on the housing surface or they can be provided as separate structures which shield specific portions of the housing's interior surfaces. The invention is particularly useful in protecting aluminum housings when they are used with the newer high reaction temperature non-azide gas generant materials.

US Patent:

60705310, Jun 6, 2000

Filed:

Jul 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/898393

Inventors:

David D. Hansen - Layton UT
David B. Monk - N. Salt Lake UT
Mark B. Woodbury - Bountiful UT
Gerold W. Pratt - Kaysville UT

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

F42B 310

US Classification:

1022025

Abstract:

An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned. The package includes connectors for electrically interconnecting these predetermined electrical circuit locations in adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits in the stack.

US Patent:

61919497, Feb 20, 2001

Filed:

Dec 15, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/464339

Inventors:

David D. Hansen - Layton UT
David B. Monk - Salt Lake UT
Mark B. Woodbury - Bountiful UT
Gerold W. Pratt - Kaysville UT

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

H05K 710
F42B 310

US Classification:

361735

Abstract:

An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned. The package includes connectors for electrically interconnecting these predetermined electrical circuit locations in adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits in the stack.

US Patent:

59328320, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Apr 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/632700

Inventors:

David D. Hansen - Clearfield UT
Mark B. Woodbury - North Salt Lake UT
Virginia E. Chandler - Ogden UT
David B. Monk - Kaysville UT
Harry W. Miller - Ogden UT
Gerold W. Pratt - Bountiful UT

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

F42B 3182

US Classification:

1022024

Abstract:

A resistant initiator for an automobile passenger restraint system which includes a shell casing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contact pins connect the initiator to a mating electrical connector of a vehicle. A metal oxide varistor disposed in the shell casing provides electrostatic discharge and EMI/RFI rotection for the initiator. A glass to metal seal header is formed in the shell casing and includes an integrated circuit for igniting the pyrotechnic material disposed in a charge holder attached to the shell casing.