---

TRW Purchases Helium Gas Air Bag Inflator Technology With Tailorable Deployment Capability

9 September 1997

TRW Purchases Helium Gas Air Bag Inflator Technology With Tailorable Deployment Capability

    DETROIT, Sept. 9 -- TRW announced today it has
purchased an exclusive, worldwide license for a new helium gas air bag
inflator technology from AirBelt Systems, LLC of Bel Air, Calif. with more
tailorable deployment capability than most existing inflators.  Terms were not
disclosed.
    The new "cold gas inflator" technology uses a pressure vessel filled with
helium gas and regulated by a proprietary, gas flow control device.  The
helium requires no ignition and remains clean and cool, providing low post-
deployment surface temperatures.  Plans are for the new inflator to be
available for launch in model year 2000-2001.
    "This proprietary technology represents TRW's commitment to technology
leadership in the automotive occupant restraint systems business," said James
F. Smith, vice president and general manager of TRW's Inflatable Restraint
Systems business.  "This new technology is clean, cool and offers the
potential for 'passive tailorability'."
    Smith explained that the passenger inflator can be tailored to specific
vehicle requirements for tailored output and softer deployment, which help in
protecting out-of-position occupants.  The inflator can also be modulated to
provide the variable output required of future "smart" restraint systems.
    "This new technology enhances TRW's ability to offer tailorable restraints
to our global customers," Smith said.  "The technology offers a simple design
and the potential for cost-effective manufacturing."  He added that TRW has
been working with the Bel Air firm since last year under a development
agreement for the proprietary system.  During this period, the technology was
tested by TRW and government agencies.
    "Given TRW's enlightened commitment to offering their global customers the
most innovative, next-generation safety technologies, we found them to be the
most knowledgeable and best company in the world to bring our cold gas
inflation system to market," said Lawrence M. Shultz, AirBelt Systems chief
executive officer.
    Initial tests utilizing the new inflator have produced positive results.
AirBelt Systems will work with TRW in a consulting capacity during the next
two years as the new technology is expected to be rolled out.
    Cleveland-based TRW is the world's largest supplier of occupant restraint
systems.  The company provides advanced technology products and services to
the automotive and space and defense markets.  Its 1996 sales were about $10
billion.

SOURCE  TRW