Patent ID: 7581757

Claim:
A retractor for a seat belt restraining system for restraining an occupant of an automobile having a sensor detecting an impact event, the retractor comprising: a spool receiving a portion of the seat belt; a first force limiting element connected to the spool; a locking mechanism operatively connected to the spool through the first force limiting element; a second force limiting element connected to the spool; a pretensioner having a drive mechanism operatively connected to the spool through the second force limiting element; and the retractor operable in at least two modes upon detection of an impact event including, a first load limiting mode wherein the locking mechanism is activated to limit belt force through the first force limiting element, and a second load limiting mode, wherein the drive mechanism of the pretensioner is activated to retract seat belt onto the spool and blocked to limit force through the second force limiting element, and wherein the locking mechanism is activated to limit belt force through the first force limiting element.