Mr. Lawrence Patrick, former director of Wayne State's Biomechanical Research Center, died of complications from Parkinson's disease at Four Seasons Hospice in Hendersonville, N.C. He was 85. Patrick earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State in 1955. He had already become the university's research director in 1946, and later became director of WSU's Biomechanics Research Center in 1965. A pioneer in automotive safety design, his work led to advancements in the development of the airbag. He also employed cadavers to test seat belts, safety glass for windshields, collapsible steering columns, dashboards and many other safety features. In addition, Patrick was a professor at the university for nearly two decades.