An airbag deployment rate sensor employs a tape or string (34) that is wound on a spool (26; 112) and connected to the fabric of an airbag (17) so that as the airbag deploys, tape or string is pulled from the spool causing it to rotate. A brake (48; 68; 84...

An airbag module (20) utilizes tape dispensing cartridges (40; 94; 138). A tape end extends from each cartridge to the inside surface of an airbag (22). As the airbag inflates, tape (36) is drawn from the tape cartridges as the tapes are drawn along with t...