IPR 2016-01794
`American Vehicular Sciences
`Exhibit 2021
`
`

`

`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. ATI-367
`
`Patent No.:
`
`Inventor:
`
`Issue Date:
`
`Serial No.:
`
`Filed:
`
`Title:
`
`7,481,453
`
`David BREED
`
`January 27, 2009
`
`11/131,623
`
`May 18, 2005
`
`Inflator System
`
`‘ REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`\
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`PO. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Attn: Certificate of Correction Branch
`
`DearSir:
`
`-
`
`"r
`
`y
`
`7":
`
`January 29, 2009
`
`Submitted herewith is a proposed Certificate of Correction for the above—
`referenced patent.
`-
`
`The change to the Claims is the result of an error which arose on the part of the
`
`US. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As such, there is no fee for requesting this
`
`Certificate of Correction.
`
`FOR TH
`
`ATE
`
`EE
`
`
`
`Brian Roffe, Esq.
`11 Sunrise Plaza, Suite 303
`Valley Stream, New York 11580-6111
`Tel: (516) 256-5636/ Fax: (516) 256-5638
`
`Enc.
`
`Certificate of Correction
`
`'FEB _ 4 2009
`
`

`

`PATENT NO.
`
`: 7,481,453
`
`APPLICATION NO.: 11/131,623
`
`ISSUE DATE
`
`1 January 27, 2009
`
`INVENT0R<S>
`
`David 8. Breed
`
`It is certified that an error appears or errors appear in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent
`is hereby corrected as shown below:
`
`Column 274, line 1, after "device", change "affanged" to --arranged--.
`
`PTO/SBI44 (04-05)
`Approved for use through 04/30/2007. OMB 0651-0033
`US. Patent and Trademark Office; US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Papewvork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`Also Form PTO-1050
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`
`
`MAILING ADDRESS OF SENDER (Please do not use customer number below):
`Brian Roffe
`11 Sunrise Plaza, Suite 303
`Valley Stream NY 11580
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.322, 1.323, and 1.324. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file
`(and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 1.0 hour to
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`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Attention Certificate of Corrections Branch, Commissioner for Patents, PO. Box 1450, Alexandria,
`VA 22313-1450.
`FEB ..
`
`4 2009'.
`
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800—PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`

`

`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMIVIISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PO. Box 1450
`Alexandria1 Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`11/131,623
`
`ISSUE DATE
`
`01/27/2009
`
`22846
`
`7590
`
`01/07/2009
`
`BRIAN ROFFE, ESQ
`11 SUNRISE PLAZA, SUITE 303
`VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580-6111
`
`PATENT NO.
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`CONFIRMATION NO.
`
`7481453
`
`ATI—367
`
`5982
`
`The projected patent number and issue date are specified above.
`
`ISSUE NOTIFICATION
`
`Determination of Patent Term Adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154 (b)
`(application filed on or after May 29, 2000)
`
`The Patent Term Adjustment is 307 day(s). Any patent to issue from the above—identified application will
`include an indication of the adjustment on the front page.
`
`If a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) was filed in the above—identified application, the filing date that
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`Office of Patent Legal Administration at (571)—272—7702. Questions relating to issue and publication fee
`payments should be directed to the Customer Service Center of the Office of Patent Publication at
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`
`APPLICANT(S) (Please see PAIR WEB site http://pair.uspto. gov for additional applicants):
`
`David S. Breed, Boonton Township, NJ;
`
`IR103 (Rev. 11/05)
`
`

`

`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PO. Box 1450
`313- 1450
`Alexandria1 Virginia 22
`wwwnsptogov
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`
`
`
`CONF {MATION NO.
`
`
`
`
`
` F ING DATE
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`11/131,623
`
`05/18/2005
`
`David S. Breed
`
`ATI—367
`
`5982
`
`22846
`
`7590
`
`12/09/2008
`
`BRIAN ROFFE, ESQ
`11 SUNRISE PLAZA, SUITE 303
`VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580-6111
`
`EXAMINER
`
`ROCCA, J
`
`OSEPH M
`
`ART UNIT
`
`3616
`
`MAIL DATE
`
`12/09/2008
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`PAPER
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`PTOL—90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`
`
`Application No.
`
`Applicant(s)
`
`_
`_
`Response to Rule 312 Communication
`
`11/131,623
`.
`Examiner
`
`BREED, DAVID 3.
`.
`Art Unit
`
`
`
`JOSEPH ROCCA 3616
`
`-- The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address —
`
`1. IX The amendment filed on 24 November 2008 under 37 CFR 1.312 has been considered, and has been:
`
`a) El entered.
`
`b) IX entered as directed to matters of form not affecting the scope of the invention.
`
`c) I:I disapproved because the amendment was filed after the payment of the issue fee.
`
`Any amendment filed after the date the issue fee is paid must be accompanied by a petition under 37 CFR 1.313(c)(1)
`
`and the required fee to withdraw the application from issue.
`
`d) I] disapproved. See explanation below.
`
`e) D entered in part. See explanation below.
`
`/John Q. Nguyen/
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3616
`
`/Joseph Rocca/
`Examiner, Art Unit 3616
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`PTOL-271 (Rev. 04-01)
`
`Reponse to Rule 312 Communication
`
`Part of Paper No. 20081205
`
`

`

`NOU-E4-EBBB 16:35 From:BRIRN ROFFE ESGI
`
`5168565638
`
`To:USPTO
`
`P.1’14
`
`PART B . mug) 'rttANS'Mt'rTAt,
`
`Complete and send this form, together with applicable fee(s), to: Mail Mail Stop ISSUE FEE
`Commissioner for Patents
`P4). Box I450
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`or m (571)-273-2885
`
`thmngh 5 should be completed where
`lNSTRUCl'IONS: This form should be. used for transmitting the ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATION FEE (if reqttircdt‘. Blocks I
`tip lropnute. All further correspondentgo including tho Potent. advance orders attdttotilication of maintenance fees Will
`0 mailed to the current cumspundcncc town»! as
`m touted unless corrected below or directed otheth to Block I. by (a) tpccnymg a new correspondence address: and/or (b) Ittdttmltng a separate "tut: ADDRESS" for
`maintenance let: tlottficnlimts.
`,/-\
`
`
`
`
` ole:
`cent tcalt: 01 matlln can only
`use
`or
`tncsltc mat tugs ttl ltc
`('IleIiN‘I mxkESI‘ONDlENt'JE AnDRESS (Note: Us: Block 1 for my change til"
`li‘cc(s) Tmmmittnl This ccrti tcntc cannot be used for any other newtnpnnyiltg
`per}. Eueh additional paper. such as an assignment or formal drawing. must
`liiivc It: own certificate ol'mailing or transntissmn
`Certificate of Maillot: or'l‘ranytnlsslon
`l hereb certify Ihul this Focu- Tmnsntlttnl Is hemp deposited with the United
`States ustal Service with sul' teient postage I'ur lintl class mail in mi envelope
`addressed to the Mail Sto
`lSSUE Flil; address tthqve. or burn v facsimile
`transmittal! to the USPTO( 71) 273-21135. on the dutc Indicated bc ow.
`
`
`
`2.2846
`
`7500
`
`ottlzmamt
`
`BRIAN ROFFE, ESQ
`1 l SUNRISE PLAZA. SUITE 303
`VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580-61]!
`
`
`
`Rim
`
`tDt'pusitor" ntmn‘l
`
`
`
`W N
`
`ovember 24 , 2008
`
`(Date)
`
`
`FILING DATE
`05/18/2005
`Ilil3| .523
`TITLE OF INVENTION: INFLATUR SYSTEM
`
`Finsr NAMED INVENTOR
`David 5. Breed
`'
`
`ATTORNEY nocxtrr mt
`ATI 3tt7
`
`(.‘thl-‘lKMA t‘l()N Nn
`b‘Jlil
`
`APPLN Tm:
`nonprovisiomtl
`
`
`
`YES
`
`EXAMINER
`ROCC’A. JOSEPH M
`
`
`
`‘
`
`ISSUE FEE DUE
`$720
`
`
`
`PUBLIATION FEE out;
`$300
`
`
`
`pmzv l‘All) lh’SUE FIZE
`50
`
`
`
`TOT/ti. Hat-m mu'
`$1020
`
`I 1/26/2008
`
`3M6
`
`tum SUBCLASS
`280-0055”
`
`
`
`
`
`1. Chi!
`CFR l
`
`2. For prlntlng on the potent l‘mnt pogo. list
`
`nf-éttsol'comspondcncc adore-t: or indication or “Ft-t: Address" (37
`(I) the names of up to 3 registered patent uttontcys LBrian Roffe
`
`or agents OR, alternatively.
`.,
`D Chnn 't' oftomrs
`ntlunce address (or Change oftinrrespondcnec
`Addrcntt arm P’I’O/ B/IZZ) attached.
`(2) the name ot‘n single l'mn (having to: :t member n
`--
`registered attorney or o‘gcnt) and the names of up to
`
`CI “Fee Address" indication (or "Fcc Address" Indication form
`l’l'O/SB/47: Rev 03-02 or more recent) attached. Use of a Customer
`3
`2 re istcrcd patent attorneys or agents If I'm norm: is
`lis
`, no home Will be printed
`Number is required.
`
`
`3. ASSIGNEE NAME AND RESIDENCE DA‘l'A TO BE PRINTED ON THE PATENT (print or type)
`II‘ an assigned is identified below. the document has been filed for
`PLEASE NOTE: Unless an asst
`cc is identified below. no usxignce dqu will. appear on the potent:
`rccnrdullon as set forth in 37 CF 3.! l. Completion of this form is NOT a subtttttute for filing an assignment.
`(A) NAME Ul‘ ASSIGNEE
`(B) RESIDENCE: (CITY and S'l'A'I‘l-Z OR COUNTRY)
`
`
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.. .. .
`
`
`
`AWIVE TEG‘INOIDGIE'S EVI'ERNATIONAL,
`INC.
`
`Please check the appropriate ussigncc category or categories (Will not be printed on the patent)
`CI lndivtduttl L3 Corporation or other private group entity LI (inve- nmcnt
`
`DENVIELE , NEW JERSEY
`
`4b Payment ot't‘ccts): (Please l'trtt reapply any previouin puitl issut‘ l't't‘ IMth 1Wm”)
`4n. the following fccts) are submitted:
`0 A check is enclosed.
`'
`'
`M Issue Fee
`0 Payment by credit card, l-‘ortn PTO-2038 is. alltichetl.
`E] Publication Fee (No small entity discount permitted)
`Kl‘t‘hc Director is here
`authorized to change the rct uircd tbcts). any deficiency. or credit any
`Au
`0rd - it re ' -
`
`0pm '0cra van“: overpayment. to Degzsit Account Number SD.:.62&E_ (“Chic an 0X1!“ COPY Uflhis 1.0"") 1 "
`
`
`
`
`
`5. Change in Entity Status (front status indicated ubovc)
`D b Applicant is no longer claiming SMALL ENTITY slams. Sec 37 ("FR 1171190).
`U it. Applicant claims SMALL t-JN‘I‘I‘I'Y stunts. Soc 37 CPR 1.27.
`NOTE: The lswc Fee and Publication Fee (i required) will rtot be accepted from anyone other than the applicant; a registered utlumey or new". 0" the minor: or Olhfl Party 5“
`interest us shown b the records nl'tht: United totes Patent and Trademark Office
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Datc _Novetuber .2534- 2.0.05
`
` Authorized Signatvrc __
`Registratlon No. I 35' 336
`__
`Typed or printed name
`_ n ___ _ man Roffe
`this collection of information is required b 3') CFR L3] 1. The int'otrnttlion is re uircd to obtain or retain a ham: it b
`the public which is to tilt: (and by the USP l 0 In prncess)
`an application. Confidentiality is gown“:le 3.5 [1.517. 122 and 37 Cliit 1.14. T is collection is cyimnted t0 lulu: I minutes to complete. including gathu‘mg.yrepnnng, and
`submitting the completed application form to the USP’I'O. Time will vary deficndinF upon thc indmdunl came. Any comments on Illc'ill'l'Kttmt ur tune you rcgutrc In l’nmplelc
`this form and/or to v estions fer reducing thin burden, should be sent to t c C iel' In onnnlion Ol'flctn. 11.5. Patent and Traderrtnrlt Olltce. I: 5 Department ol Commerce. 1‘ 1)
`Box I450. Aiqxot _na. Vi
`'inia 223l3-l450. DO NOT SEND FEELS OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO. Commissioner for l’utenlx. PO. Box I450.
`Alexandria. Virginia 2231 - I450.
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of lWS, no persons are required to respond to in collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`
`
`PAGE mmcvo Arimttzuos 4:40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]*SVR:USPTO-EFXRF-5tlt‘DNIS:2?32885*CSID:5162565638*DURAT|0N canons-30"” "WWW:
`11/25/2008 HUUUNG2
`00000075 500266
`11131623
`hmMI
`not
`03 FC:6001
`3.00 09
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`

`

`NUU-E4-E’868 16:35 From:BRIRN RUFFE ESQ
`
`5168565638
`
`TozUSPTO
`
`-
`
`'
`
`P 8/14
`
`
`
`ED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`_UNI_T,___________—-——-—
`
`Examiner: Joseph M. Rocoa
`
`Art Unit: 3616
`
`Re:
`
`Application of:
`
`Serial No.:
`
`Continuation No.:
`Filing Date:
`A
`
`Title:
`Customer Number:
`
`David S. Breed
`
`11/131,623
`
`5982
`May 18, 2005
`
`lnflator System
`22846
`I
`
`AMENDMENT UNDER 37 C.F.R. §1.312
`
`Mail Stop Issue Fee
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Notice ofAllowance Dated
`August 26, 2008
`
`Attorney Docket No. Ail—367
`
`‘
`
`November24,2008
`
`Dear Sir:
`.
`‘
`, Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §l .312, please amend the above-identified application as follows.
`
`Amendments to the Specification are set forth on page 2 of this paper.
`' Amendments to the Claims are reflected in the listing of claims which begins on page 3 of this
`
`Paper-
`
`Remarks/Argumems begin on page 13 of this paper.
`
`FACS!MILE flngNSMI§ION CEB’I‘IFICATIQN
`l hereby certify that this Amendment is being
`transmitted by facsimile to the US. Patent and
`Trademaflc Office on November 24, 2008.
`(571) 273-2885.
`.
`//
`Brian Rofl'e
`
`PAGE 2114 " RCVD AT 1112412008 4:40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]*SVR:USPTo-EFXRF-5I10* DNISI2732885 * (18105162565638 * DURATION (mm-ss):05-30
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`NUU-E4-E’BBB 16:35 From:BRIRN RUFFE ESE!
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`5162565638
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`To:USF'TU
`
`P.3/14
`
`U.S. patent application Ser. N0. 11/ 13 I .623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l .312 dated Nov. 24, 2008
`
`AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:
`Please amend the paragraph in the specification beginning on page 1, line 20 as follows:
`A)
`a continuation-in-pan of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/962,827 filed Nov. 3, 1997,
`now U806609903 which is a continuation-ling of us. patent application Ser. No. 08/476,076 filed Jun.
`
`7, 1995, an U§OSé84701;
`
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`2
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`NUU-E4-EBBB 16:35 FromIBRIRN RUFFE ESQ
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`5162565638
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`To:USPTO
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`P 4’14
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`I Ill 3 1,623
`US. patent application Ser. No.
`Amendment under 37 CPR. §l .312 dated Nov. 24, 2008
`
`_____,.—...————-
`AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS:
`This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application.
`
`Listing of Claims:
`I.
`(Previously Presented) A method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle to protect an occupant in
`
`the event of a crash involving the vehicle, comprising:
`
`arranging an inflator having a propellant in the vehicle;
`igniting the propellant afier determination ofa crash involving the vehicle to generate gas therefrom;
`directing the gas into an airbag to cause the airbag to deploy;
`‘
`- forming at least one variable gas flow port to enable a variable flow of gas into the airbag during
`deployment, the at least one variable gas flow port being formed in a flow path ofthe generated gas between a
`location at which the gas is generated and the airbag or being formed at a location between a location where the
`
`inflator. is attached to a supporting base and the airbag; and
`comrolling pressure in the airbag based on the occupant by varying the at least one variable gas flow
`port and thereby providing for a controlled pressure in the airbag.
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim 1, wherein the variation in the flow ofgas into
`2.
`the airbag is obtained by varying a flow of aspirating gas into a mixing chamber in which the aspirating gas
`mixes with gas generated from the propellant, the mixing chamber being located between the location at which
`
`the gas is generated and the airbag.
`
`The method ofclaim 2, wherein the inflator has at least one variable passage
`(Original)
`3.
`through which the gas flows in a path toward the airbag, the cross-sectional area of the at least one passage
`
`being controlled based on the pressure in the mixing chamber.
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim 1, further comprising arranging the inflatOr and
`4.
`the airbag in ahousing having a cover exposed to a passenger compartment ofthe vehicle, the pressure in the
`airbag being controlled during deployment when the cover is interposed between the airbag and the occupant
`
`based on the occupant's position relative to the cover.
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim 4, wherein pressure in the airbag is controlled to
`5.
`prevent injury to the occupant when the occupant is leaning on the cover and preventing deployment of the
`
`airbag.
`
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`3
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`NUU-E‘i-EQBB 16:35 FromzsRIRN RUFFE ESQ
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`5168565638
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`TozLBPTD
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`-
`
`P.5’14
`
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. l I/l31,623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l .3 l2 dated ‘Nov. 24, 2008
`
`6.
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim l , wherein the at lemt one variable gas flow port
`
`comprises a plurality of variable gas flow ports, the size ofthe ports being dependent on pressure exerted by
`
`the occupant against the airbag.
`
`7.
`
`(Previously Presanted) The method ofclaim 4, wherein the step ofcontrolling premue in the
`
`airbag comprises opening ports when the occupant is leaning on the cover and preventing deployment ofthe
`
`airbag such that gas generated from the propellant flows out through the ports and not into the airbag when the
`
`occupant is leaning on the cover and preventing deployment of the airbag.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`(Canceled)
`
`(Original)
`
`The method ofclaim I, wherein pressure in the airbag is controlled based on
`
`the occupant‘s position relative to the airbag.
`
`l0.
`
`(Previously Presented) A method fer controlling combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`gas when burning, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising:
`
`housing the propellant in a combustion chamber on the vehicle;
`
`fermiug a mixing chamber in which the gas generated upon combustion ofthe propellant mixes with :1
`
`HOW of aspirating gas with the mixed flow being directed into the airbag;
`
`providing at least one exit conduit from the combustion chamber thr0ugh which gas generated upon
`
`combustion of the propellant flows into the mixing chamber; and
`
`adjusting the cross-sectional area ofthe at least one exit conduit during combustion ofthe propellant to
`
`thereby continuously control the pressure in the combustion chamber and thus the rate of combustion of the
`
`propellant.
`
`l l .
`
`(PreviOusly Presented) The method ofclaim 10, wherein the combustion chamber is det'med
`
`by a gas generator, further comprising mounting the gas generator to a base to thereby define a nozzle between
`
`the gas generator and the base which constitutes an exit conduit.
`
`[2.
`
`(Original)
`
`The method of claim ll, wherein the cross—sectional area ofthe nozzle is
`
`adjusted by mounting the gas generator to the base via an elastic or flexible supporting structure which holds
`
`the gas generator against the base.
`
`PAGE 5114 ' RCVD AT 11i24l2008 4:40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]* SVRIUSPTO-EXRF-fllo ' DNIS:2732885 * CSiDl51G2565638‘ DURATION (mm-ss):05-30
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`4
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`NDU-E’4-EBZB 16:35 FroszRIRN RUFFE ESQ
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`5162565638
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`ToiLJSPTD
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`P.6/14
`
`US. patent application Scr. No. l l/131,623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l .3 12 dated Nov. 24. 2008
`
`13.
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim 12, wherein the gas generator moves apart from
`
`the base to thereby increase the cross-sectiOnal area of the nozzle when pressure in the combustion chamber
`
`exerts a force greater than the force provided by the Supporting structure.
`
`l4.
`
`(Original)
`
`The method of claim 1 1, further comprising maintaining a minimum cross-
`
`sectional area of the noule by arranging supports between a surface of the gas generator facing the base and
`the base.
`
`15.
`
`(Original)
`
`The method of claim 11. wherein the cross-sectional area of the nozzle is
`
`adjusted by mounting the gas generator to the base via a deformable supporting structure.
`
`l6.
`
`(Previously Presented) A system for controlling combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`gas when burning, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising:
`
`a housing; and
`
`an inflator including a combustion chamber having a propellant which generates gas upon burning,
`
`said housing defining a mixing chamber in which the gas generated upon combustion of said
`
`propellant mixes with a flow of aspirating gas with the mixed flow being directed into the airbag;
`
`said inflator being mounted to said housing to define at least part of at least one exit conduit from said
`
`cembustiOn chamber and through which gas generated from said propellant flows into the mixing chamber and
`
`such that said at least one exit conduit is capable of having an adjustable cross-sectional area during
`
`combustion of said propellant to thereby continuously control the pressure in said combustion chamber and
`
`thus the rate of combustion of said propellant.
`
`17.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim 16, wherein the cross-section! area of said at
`
`least one exit conduit is controlled based on the pressure in said cembustion chamber.
`
`l8.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim l6, further comprising an elastic or flexible
`
`supporting structure for mounting said inflator to said housing and loading said inflator toward said housing,
`
`the cross-sectional area ofsaid at least one exit conduit being adjustable based on pressure diti’erences between
`
`a pressure in said combustion chamber and a pressure provided by said supporting structure.
`
`l9.
`
`(Original)
`
`The system of claim 18, further comprising support structure arranged
`
`between a surface of said inflator facing said housing and said housing for maintaining a minimum cross-
`
`PAGE 6H4 * RCVD AT 11I24I2008 4:40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]*SVR:USPTO£FXRF-5l10* DNISZZT32885 ’ CSID:5162565638 * DURATION (mmss):05-30
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`5
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`

`mU-B‘i-E’QBB 16:36 FrjomiBRIRN ROFFE ESQ
`
`5163565638
`
`TozUSPTD
`
`P.7/14
`
`US. patent application Scr. No. ll/l3l,623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l.312 dated Nov. 24, 2008
`
`sectional area of said at least one exit conduit.
`
`20.
`(Original)
`The system ofclaim 16, further comprising a defomrable supporting structure
`‘for mounting said int‘lator to said housing, the cross-sectional area of said at least one exit conduit being
`
`adjusted upon defamation of Said Supporting structure.
`
`21.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim 16, wherein said housing defines at least one
`
`variable gas flow port which enables gas flow from an interior of said housing to an exterior ofsaid housing,
`
`said at least one gas flow port enabling gas to flow into said mixing chamber defined by said housing and
`
`combine with gas generated from said propellant and flowing through said at least one exit conduit which then
`
`flows out of said housing into the airbag.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim 2i, firr-ther comprising a cover releasany
`22.
`mounted to said housing for covering the airbag, said at least one gas flow port being defined between said
`
`cover and a remaining part of said housing.
`
`23.
`
`(Original)
`
`The system of claim 2|, wherein the cross-sectional area of said at least one-
`
`exit conduit is controlled based on the preSSure in said mixing chamber.
`
`24.
`
`(Previously PreSented) An occupant protection system for protecting an occupant in a vehicle
`
`in the event of an accident involving the vchicle, comprising:
`
`at least one airbag arranged to deploy into a passenger compartnient of the vehiclcj
`
`an inflator system for inflating said at least one airbag, said inflator system c0mprising a housing, and
`
`an inflator including‘a combustion chamber having a propellant which generates gas upon burning, said
`
`housing defining a mixing chamber in which the gas generated upon burning ofsaid propellant mixes with a
`
`flow of aspirating gas with the mixed flow being directed into said at least one airbag, said inflator being
`
`mounted to said housing to define at least one exit conduit from said combustion chamber and through which
`gas generated from said propellant flows into said mixing chamber, said at least one exit conduit having an
`adjustable cross-sectional area; and
`
`an initiation device arranged to initiate burning ofsaid propellant in response to an accident involving
`
`the vehicle such that upon burning of said propellant, gas is generated and flows through said at least one exit
`
`conduit into said at least one airbag to inflate said at least one airbag.
`
`PAGE n14 ‘ RCVD AT 11124i2008tz40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]*SVR:USPTOEFXRF-5l1fl* DNIS:2732885 * CSID:5162565638 " DURATION (mm-ss):05-30
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`6
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`NUU-E‘l-E‘BBB 16:3? From:BRIRN RUFFE ESE!
`
`5168565638
`
`To:USPTO
`
`P._8’14
`
`US. patent application Ser. No. ll/l3l,623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l.3 12 dated Nov. 24, 2008
`
`25.
`
`(Previously Presented) The. system of claim 24, wherein said housing defines at least one
`
`variable gas flow port which enablcs gas flow from an interior of said hOusing to an exterior of said housing,
`
`said at least one gas flow port enabling gas toflow into said mixing chamber defined by said hausing and
`
`combine with gas generated frorn said propellant and flowing through said at least one exit conduit which then
`
`flows out of said housing,
`
`26.
`
`(Original)
`
`The system of claim 25, wherein the cross-sectional area of said at least one
`
`exit conduit is controlled based on the pressure in said mixing chamber.
`
`27.
`
`(Original)
`
`The system of claim 25, wherein said inflator system further comprises a
`
`cover releasany mounted to said housing and covering said at least one airbag priorto inflation of said at least
`
`one airbag, said at least one gas flow port being defined between said c0vcr and a remaining part of said
`
`housing.
`
`28.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim 24, wherein the cross-sectional area of said at
`
`least one exit conduit is controlled based on the pressure in said combustion chamber.
`
`29.
`
`(Previously Presented) The system of claim 24, wherein said inflator system further
`
`comprises an elastic or flexible supporting structure for mounting said inflator to said housingand loading said
`
`inflator toward said housing, the cross—sectional area ofsaid at least one exit conduit being adjustable based on
`
`a pressure difference between a pressure in said combustion chamber and a pressure provided by said
`
`supporting structure.
`
`30.
`
`(Original)
`
`The system of claim 29, wherein said inflator system further comprises
`
`support structure arranged between a surface of said inflator Facing said housing and said housing for
`
`maintaining a minimum cross-sectional area of said at least one exit conduit.
`
`3 l .
`(Previously Presented) A method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle to protect an occupant in
`the event of a crash involving the vehicle, comprising:
`
`arranging an inflator having a propellant in the vehicle;
`
`igniting thepropellant afier determination of‘a crash involving the vehicle to generate gas therefrom;
`
`directing the gas into an airbag;
`
`controlling pressure in the airbag by varying the flow of gas into the airbag; and
`
`PAGE 8l14 * RCVD AT 11l24l20084140:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]*SVR:USPTO-EFXRF-5l10‘ DNIS:2732885 * CSIDI5162565533 * DURATION (mm-ss):05-30
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`.
`
`7
`
`

`

`NUU-E4-EZBB 16:37 From:BRIFlN ROFFE ESQ
`
`5168565638
`
`To:USPTU
`
`P.9/14
`
`U.S. patent application Scr. No. l l/l31,623
`Amendment under 37 C.F.R. §l.3 [2 dated Nov. 24. 2008
`
`arranging the inflator in a housing having a cover exposed to a passenger compartment ofthe vehicle,
`
`the preSSure in the airbag being controlled based on the occupant’s position relative to the cover,
`
`the step of controlling presswe in the airbag based on the occupant comprising forming variable gas
`
`flow ports, the size of the gas flow ports being dependent on pressure exerted by the occuth against the
`
`airbag,
`
`each ofthe gas flow ports being formed in a flow path ofthe generated gas between a location at which
`
`the gas is generated and the airbag or being formed at a location between a location where the inflator is
`
`attached to a supporting base and the airbag.
`
`32.
`
`(Previously Presented) A method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle to protect an occupant in
`
`the event of a crash involving the vehicle, comprising:
`
`arranging an inflator having a propellant in the vehicle;
`
`igniting the propellant after determination ofa crash involving the vehicle to generate gas therefrom;
`
`directing the gas into an airbag; and
`
`controlling pressure in the airbag by varying the flow of gas into the airbag;
`
`the step ofcontrolling pressure in the airbag based on the Occupant comprising forming variable gas
`
`flow ports, the size of the gas flow ports being dependent on preSSure exerted by the occupant against the
`
`airbag,
`
`each ofthe gas flow ports being formed in a flow path ofthe generated gas between a location at which
`
`the gas is generated and the airbag or being formed at a location between a location where the inflator is
`
`attached to a supponing base and the airbag.
`
`33.
`
`(Previously Presented) A method for controlling combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`gas when burning, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising;
`
`housing the propellant in a chamber on the vehicle, the chamber being defined by a gas generator;
`
`mounting the gas generator to a base to thereby define a nozzle between the gas generator and the base
`
`which constitutes an exit conduit;
`
`'
`
`arranging the exit conduit in flow communication with the chamber; and
`
`adjusting the cross—sectional area of the exit conduit during combustion of the propellant to thereby
`
`continuously control the pressure in the chamber and thus the rate of combustion of the propellant. the cross-
`
`sectional area of the nonle being adjusted by mounting the gas generator to the base via an elastic 0r flexible
`
`suppOrting structure which holds the gas generator against the base.
`
`PAGE 9114 ‘ RCVD AT 1112412008 4:40:23 PM [Eastern Standard Time]* SVR:USPTO-EFXRF-5l10 ‘ DNIS:2?32885 ‘ CSlDI5162565638 ‘ DURATION (mmss):05:30
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`8
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`NUU-E4-8888 16:3? FromiBRIRN ROFFE ESQ
`
`5168565638
`
`TotUSPTU
`
`P.1B/14
`
`US. patent applicatiOn Ser. No. 11/131 .623
`Amendment under 37 CPR. §l.3 I 2 dated NOV. 24, 2008
`
`(Previously Presented) The method ofclaim 33, wherein the gas generator moves apart from
`34.
`the base to thereby increase the cross-sectiOnal area ofthe nonlc when pressure in the chamber exerts a force
`
`greater than the force provided by the supporting structure.
`
`35.
`
`(Previously Presented) A method for controlling combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`gas when burning, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising:
`
`'
`
`housing the propellant in a chamber on the vehicle, the chamber being defined by a gas generator;
`
`mounting the gas generator to a base to thereby define a nozzle between the gas generator and the base
`
`which constitutes an exit conduit:
`
`'
`
`arranging the exit conduit in flow communication with the chamber;
`
`adjusting the cross-sectional area of the exit conduit during combustiOn of the propellant to thereby
`continuously control the pressure in the chamber and thus the rate of combustion of the propellant; and
`
`maintaining a minimum cross-sectional area ofthe nozzle by arranging supports between a surface of
`
`the gas generator facing the base and the base.
`
`36.
`
`(Previously Presented) A method for eontwlllng Combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`gas when bunting, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising:
`
`housing the propellant in a chamber on the vehicle, the chamber being defined by a gas generator;
`
`mounting the gas generator to a base to thereby define a nozzle between the gas generator and the base
`
`which constitutes an exit conduit;
`arrangingthe exit conduit in flow communication with the chamber; and
`
`adjusting the cross-sectiOnal area of the exit conduit during combustion of the propellant to thereby
`
`continuously control the pressure in the chamber and thus the rate of combustion ofthe propellant, the cross-
`
`sectional area of the nozzle being adjusted by mounting the gas generator to the base via a deformable
`supporting structure.
`
`37.
`
`(Previously Presanted) A system for controlling combustion ofa propellant which produces
`
`385 when burning, the gas being used to inflate an airbag on a vehicle, comprising:
`a housing;
`
`an inflator including a chamber having a propellant which generates gas upon burning, Said inflator
`
`being mounted to said housing to define at least part of at least one exit conduit therebetween in flow
`
`communication with said chamber and through which gas generated from said propellant flows into the airbag
`
`and such that said at least one