Patent ID: 6796578
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An airbag system comprising:an airbag housing; an airbag mounted to the airbag housing, and having an occupant facing portion which, when the airbag is inflated, faces an occupant position; a source of gas mounted to the airbags housing in gas supplying connection to the airbag to cause the airbag to inflate when a flow of gas is initiated; a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant, the sensor being mounted to the occupant facing potion of the airbag, so that when the airbag is deployed the sensor moves with the airbag toward the occupant; a controller in electrical signal receiving relation to the sensor to detect the sensor interaction with a vehicle occupant said controller being connected in controlling relation to a vent mounted to the airbag housing, the vent being operable in response to a command from the controller to allow an escape of gas from airbag; and a means for detecting at least one stage of airbag inflation, said means being operatively connected to the vent to inhibit opening of the vent when the at least one stage of airbag inflation is detected.