Patent ID: 7806357

Claim:
A retractor for a seat belt restraining system for restraining an occupant of an automobile having a sensor detecting a potential 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, the locking mechanism including a blocking element for engaging the first force limiting element and resisting rotation of the spool, the blocking element engaging the first force limiting element upon a small rotation of the spool to pay out seatbelt; 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 such that activation of the pretensioner rotates the spool to wind-up the seatbelt when connected through the second force limiting element; and a clutch positioned between the spool and the drive mechanism for controlling force transmission between the spool and the drive mechanism, the clutch selectively engaging the drive mechanism, relative rotation between the drive mechanism and the spool actuating the clutch to disconnect the drive mechanism from the second force limiting element.