In a load limiting device (10), especially for a seat belt in a vehicle, comprising a controllable braking device (16) which has a fluid-filled compartment (24) including a conduit (34) through which the fluid (23) can flow, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, especially an acceleration sensor, a sensor (20) for detecting the webbing extension, and a controller (22) for controlling the braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data measured and the webbing extension measured, the fluid (23) is a magnetorheological fluid and a control magnet is provided which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34).

A seatbelt tensioning assembly having a seatbelt, a buckle tongue and a tensioning device. The buckle tongue is configured for releasable attachment to a seatbelt buckle within the passenger compartment. The tensioning device is rigidly connected to the buckle tongue with a mid-section of the seatbelt extending through a hollow interior of the tensioning device. The hollow interior of the tensioning device has a first tensioning member disposed therein at least partially defining a seatbelt path having a serpentine shape such that in the absence of tension being applied to the seatbelt the mid-portion of the seatbelt moves through the seatbelt path with the seatbelt path defining a first overall length. With a pre-determined level of tension being applied to the seatbelt, the tensioning device is configured to shorten the seatbelt path to a second overall length smaller than the first overall length.

A vehicle seatbelt assembly includes a first member, a second member, a buckle mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The first member is configured to attach to one of a vehicle floor structure and a seat structure. The second member is supported on the first member. The second member is configured for limited sliding movement relative to the first member. The buckle mechanism is attached to the second member for movement therewith. The buckle mechanism has a latch device configured to releaseably retain a seatbelt latch tongue member. The clutch mechanism is disposed between the first member and the second member and is operable to switch between a dis-engaged state and an engaged state. In the dis-engaged state, the clutch mechanism allows movement of the second member relative to the first member. In the engaged state, the clutch mechanism prevents movement of the second member relative to the first member.

A restraint system includes a housing, a spool rotatably coupled to the housing, a pinion fixed to the spool, a rack engaged with the pinion, and a piston attached to the rack and the housing. The piston is filled with a resilient material. The resilient material may be a heterogeneous mixture of a liquid and hydrophobic, nanoporous particles.

In a webbing take-up device, a base cartridge receives the pressure of gas generated by a micro gas generator (MGG), load from a piston that is moved by the pressure of the gas, and a reaction force acting on the MGG when gas has been ejected from the MGG. This enables the strength retention structure of the base cartridge with respect to the above-described pressure, load, and reaction force to be simplified.

An energy absorbing seat belt retractor used with a seat belt assembly of a motor vehicle. The seat belt retractor includes a reel for winding and unwinding the seat belt and an elongated shaft, with the reel attached to the shaft. In one example, a movable disc is connected to and moves longitudinally along the shaft. At least one of the reel or movable disc includes a friction layer providing a friction surface such that when the movable disc is driven axially toward the reel there is frictional engagement between the reel and movable disc that absorbs impact energy on the occupant and limits the load applied to the seat belt.

System and method for obtaining and recording information about cargo includes a frame defining a cargo-receivable compartment, a position determining system at least partly on the frame and that allows for determination of position of the frame, an identification system on the frame that obtains information about cargo when present in the compartment, a memory component that receives and records information about position and movement of the frame, and the obtained information about cargo when present in the compartment in association with a unique identification of the frame, and a communications system on the frame to enable communication of information to and from the memory component.

A self-regulating damper unit comprising a cylinder having a first working chamber and a second working chamber, a piston, a piston rod, and a through-hole between the first working chamber and the second working chamber. The damper unit also comprises a shiftable weight which modifies a passage cross-section of the through-hole. The shiftable weight is movably mounted such that retardation of the piston causes enlargement of the passage cross-section. A seat belt unit comprises a seat belt and the damper unit.

A variable force limiter control system for a vehicle includes a variable force limiter mechanism, a relative speed sensor, an acceleration sensor and an electronic control unit. The variable force limiter mechanism is configured to change a force limiter load. The relative speed sensor is configured to detect a relative speed of the vehicle with respect to a collision object before a collision. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect an acceleration of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to predict a severity of a collision on the basis of at least the relative speed. The electronic control unit is configured to control the force limiter load on the basis of both the predicted severity and the acceleration in an initial stage of the collision of the vehicle.

An energy absorbing seat belt retractor used with a seat belt assembly of a motor vehicle. The seat belt retractor includes a reel for winding and unwinding the seat belt and an elongated shaft, with the reel attached to the shaft. In one example, a movable disc is connected to and moves longitudinally along the shaft. At least one of the reel or movable disc includes a friction layer providing a friction surface such that when the movable disc is driven axially toward the real there is frictional engagement between the reel and movable disc that absorbs impact energy on the occupant and limits the load applied to the seat belt.