A restraint system is provided for a manned vehicle. The restraint system may optionally be automatically actuated; that is, hands-free to the seat occupant or occupants where the restraint system is vehicle-wide. The restraint system may comprise a first component including an upper restraint and at least one secondary restraint apparatus such as an airbag or a belt system. The restraint system may have a manual override so an occupant can exit when circumstances require, even if the automated parameters would otherwise keep the restraints locked.

A system includes a shear member and an energy absorber. The shear member is configured to couple a seat portion to a base structure of a vehicle. The shear member is configured to sustain a first load without fracture and configured to inelastically deform under a second load. The second load is greater than the first load. The energy absorber is coupled to the seat portion and coupled to the base structure. The energy absorber is configured to absorb the energy following deformation of the shear member.

The energy absorbing assembly may include a seat frame having a base, a seat pan coupled to the seat frame, and a deformable member disposed substantially between the seat pan and the base of the seat frame. In various embodiments, the seat pan is configured to support a passenger in a seated position and the deformable member is configured to undergo plastic deformation in response to a first compressive load on the deformable member.

Methods and apparatus are provided for a vehicle electronic power system. In one exemplary embodiment an energy harvesting device is configured to generate electricity in response to vibration of the vehicle occurring during normal vehicle operation. The energy harvesting device may be tuned to a frequency that falls within a peak energy region in a vibration profile of the vehicle. The power system may further include a charging circuit connecting the energy harvesting device to a rechargeable battery provides electrical power to an electro-mechanical vehicle component or system.

Methods and apparatus are provided for a pivot arm mounted energy attenuating vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the vehicle seating system includes a seat with a pair of left upper and lower seat pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower seat pivots; and apart from the seat a pair of left upper and lower stationary pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower stationary pivots. A pair of left and right upper pivot arms are connected at one end to a respective upper seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective upper stationary pivot; and a pair of left and right lower pivot arms are similarly connected at one end to a respective lower seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective lower stationary pivot. The seating system may further include an energy attenuating member with a first end attached to the seat and a second end configured for attachment to a vehicle compartment.

A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that manages forces emanating from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops that underlie an occupant-supporting surface. To receive forces associated with detonation, an impact-receiving surface underlies the energy absorbing module.

A method and an assembly for absorbing energy during an overload event. An energy absorber reduces loads on an object being transported on a loading unit during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber. Measurement values on the current state of the loading unit are sensed. A control device determines an overload event and a damping of the energy absorber is set to a high value after the detection of the overload event. The damping is maintained for a specified prolonged time period and controlled dependent on the measurement values during the overload event to increase the load for objects during the specified time period initially to a specified threshold load and after the specified time dependent on the measurement values detected during the overload event.

A composite structure forming a load bearing composite shell for a helicopter, with a shell which defines the exterior of a fuselage and includes a central fuselage section and tail boom, a fuselage which is adapted house an engine or drive train, a layered composite crashworthy seat and support structure and a fastening and a method of fastening by providing an adhesive between two layers which is allowed to flow through opposing holes in the layers to provide a chemical and mechanical attachment between the layers.

A device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a back of a seat of a vehicle, the back being attached, by at least one first strap, to a ceiling. The device includes a hanging intermediary structure and a fixed structure integral with the ceiling and retaining the structure in the use position of the seat, in which it has been brought with an upward movement, and locking the structure in the use position or unlocking it such that it is moved away from the ceiling to release the tension exerted by the first strap and allow the structure to be disengaged from the retaining unit. The back can thus be removed or reinstalled without any action on the tension setting of the strap.

An improved seating system is provided for vehicles, including military vehicles. Center-facing seats are staggered to provide for a narrow vehicle profile, improved ingress and egress, and increased blast survivability. Seats may be reclined or reclinable, and seats may have seat pans upwardly movable away from a center aisle between rows of seats to increase an effective width of the aisle for improved ingress and egress.