Abstract: A vehicle collision warning system converts collision threat messages from a predictive collision sensor into intuitive sounds which are perceived by the occupant to be directed from the direction of the potential collision. The type and volume of the sounds are dependent upon the estimated likelihood, severity, and commencement time of the collision. The types of sound are chosen to evoke the proper corrective action by the driver as necessary to avoid the collision or mitigate the effects thereof. Examples of the sounds include a horn, screeching tires, a siren, sounds of various types of vehicles and object, and voice commands. The sounds are stored monaurally and are converted to directional sounds using known techniques.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor incorporates a bladder having a plurality of cells in fluid communication with one another, and with the outlet of a check valve, the inlet of which is in fluid communication with a source of sensing fluid, preferably the atmosphere. Cell-filling and cell-evacuating restoring mechanisms are operatively coupled to respective portions of the cells of the bladder. When the applied load is removed from the hydrostatic weight sensor, the volume of those cells operatively coupled to the cell-filling and cell-evacuating restoring mechanisms are respectively restored and evacuated, whereupon if the pressure becomes less than the local atmospheric pressure, then fluid is added to the bladder through the check valve, thereby restoring lost sensing fluid. A pressure sensor operatively coupled to the bladder generates a signal responsive to the pressure of the sensing fluid within the bladder, and a signal processor calculates the weight of the occupant therefrom.

Abstract: A pressurized water closet operating system comprises a water vessel, an external manifold mounted directly on said vessel, and an internally mounted flush valve assembly. The manifold comprises a water pressure regulator, an air induction system, and a manually operable flush valve actuator. The manually operable flush valve actuator controls the discharge of water under pressure from the water vessel into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A leakage calibration and removal system and method estimates the complex in-phase and quadrature phase (I/Q) components of a leakage signal for each beam location in the sampled down-converted radar signal in a radar system (10). In a digital embodiment, the stored leakage calibration signal (264) is subtracted (206) from the sampled radar signal, and the resultant signal is processed (208, 210, 212) to detect targets. A leakage calibration process (250) is activated if a leakage signal test (214) indicates a problem for a sufficient number of consecutive scans (216), wherein for each beam location, M consecutive I/Q waveforms are averaged (252), known targets are removed (254, 256, 258), and the resulting signal is scaled (262) and stored (264) as a new leakage calibration signal if the variance is within acceptable limits (262).

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process gases utilizes a rotary regenerative oxidizer comprised of one or more heat exchange beds, each bed comprised of a parallel, axial, and longitudinal array of heat regenerative channels that thermally and/or catalytically oxidize contaminated gases. Utilizing a rotary regenerative oxidizer, and if desired, a plurality of heat regenerative beds incorporated therein, facilitates the use of regenerative technology at lower gas flow rates, increases thermal efficiency, and significantly reduces the floor space normally required when implementing fixed-bed nonrotary regenerative oxidizers. The heat exchange channels may be catalytically treated to enhance oxidation of the pollutants at a lower temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tension measurement apparatus comprises a seat belt deflecting device that forces a seat belt to travel a circuitous path. As seat belt tension increases the deflecting device is displaced. A bend sensor having an output signal responsive to a change in the radius of curvature thereof is secured to the deflecting device at a point subject to flexure as a result of increased seat belt tension. An air bag control system processor operatively coupled to the bend sensor inhibits the deployment of the air bag upon detection of a predetermined seat belt tension.

Abstract: An occupant position sensing system incorporates an electric field sensor (30) into or on the cover (14) of an air bag inflator assembly (12) for purposes of sensing an occupant proximate the air bag inflator so that the air bag inflator may be disabled, or a warning device (26) may be activated, if the occupant is found to be within the associated danger-zone thereof. The electric field sensor (30) may comprise a plurality of electrodes (16), at least one of which is incorporated into or on the cover (14) of the air bag inflator assembly (12), wherein an occupant proximate the sensor electrodes modifies the associated inter-electrode capacitance (50). The output from the electric field sensor (30) may be used to control a controllable air bag inflation system responsive to occupant position.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical circuit used in automotive passenger restraint systems. The circuit utilizes reliable and inexpensive electrical components to provide one-shot actuation of a load. In addition, the circuit allows for very low quiescent current draw, making it ideal for automotive applications.

Abstract: A jet aircraft has a generally conical front fuselage section, a cylindrical intermediate fuselage section defining a passenger compartment and a generally conical aft fuselage section having a maximum lateral dimension substantially smaller than the maximum lateral dimension of the intermediate fuselage section. The aircraft's propulsion engines are mounted on combination vertical and horizontal stabilizers in spaced relation to the conical aft fuselage section with the air inlets and exhaust nozzles thereof disposed entirely within a rearward projection of the lateral cross section of the intermediate fuselage section to preclude the ingestion of foreign objects thereinto and maximize efficiency of boundary layer air flow.

Abstract: A seat weight sensor incorporates a fluid containing bladder placed in series with the load path in the seat, whereby a load applied to and distributed across the bladder increases the pressure of the fluid therein. The pressure of the fluid is measured by a pressure sensor and is substantially proportional to the magnitude of the applied load, and substantially inversely proportional to the supported area of the bladder. The output signal is substantially linear with respect to weight. Preferably, the amount of fluid in the bladder should be less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded. The seat weight sensor is incorporated into an occupant restraint system for controlling the safety restraint system responsive to the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heat resistant die lift system. The system comprises an upwardly opening cavity in a bolster having a vertically movable rail therein. An airbag extends longitudinally of the cavity under the rail. A plurality of rollers are supported by the rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. Inflation of the airbag effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster. One end of the airbag is telescoped over a complimentary conical nozzle in an air manifold and is retained by a locking block having a conical bore complimentary to the nozzle so as to eliminate the use of adhesives or sealants.

Abstract: A gas generator of a side impact air bag inflator comprises a propellant chamber having a proximate and distal end and a plurality of apertures radially disposed about said distal end. Upon combustion of propellant within the chamber, longitudinal flow of the resulting gases is created by virtue of the distal end apertures. Longitudinal gas flow through the chamber and then axially opposite through a filter quickens the deployment rate, and improves the filtering and cooling capability of a smaller side impact inflator.

Abstract: A retroreflecting polarizer comprises a pair of first and second substrates, each essentially like the other, each having a planar first surface and a structured second surface, whereby the structured second surface comprises a linear array of isosceles prisms with faces formed at an angle of approximately tan.sup.-1 (1/n) with respect to the planar first surface. The respective structured second surfaces of the first and second substrates are mated with one another through one or more of substantially uniformly thick layers, all of the same optical material, that are parallel to the structured surfaces. The structured surfaces and layers are separated from one another by associated air gaps. The interfaces formed within the retroreflecting polarizer satisfy Brewster's condition for a light beam normally incident upon the retroreflecting polarizer which is split into a .sigma.-polarized retroreflected light beam and a substantially .pi.-polarized transmitted light beam.

Abstract: A gas generator utilizes two segregated propellant container/combustion chambers, each having a plurality of nonazide propellant grains therein, and each having an igniter for separately igniting the propellant grains located within the respective chambers. An insulating disc disposed between the two chambers precludes flame front and thermal propagation from one chamber to another, thus preventing redeployment of an activated airbag.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor incorporates a bladder having a plurality of cells in fluid communication with one another, and with the outlet of a check valve, the inlet of which is in fluid communication with a source of sensing fluid, preferably the atmosphere. A cell-filling restoring mechanism is operatively coupled to a portion of the cells of the bladder. When the applied load is removed from the hydrostatic weight sensor, the volume of those cells operatively coupled to the cell-filling restoring mechanism is restored, whereupon if the pressure becomes less than the local atmospheric pressure, then fluid is added to the bladder through the check valve, thereby restoring lost sensing fluid. A pressure sensor operatively coupled to the bladder generates a signal responsive to the pressure of the sensing fluid within the bladder, and a signal processor calculates the weight of the occupant therefrom.

Abstract: An automotive radar incorporates a repetitive randomized equivalent LFM sequence of frequencies for improved immunity to jamming from other automotive radars. Each frequency in the sequence is of sufficient duration to travel round trip over the detection range of the radar. The Doppler shift in the received signal is estimated by performing a spectral analysis on similar frequency components of the received signal, and is then removed from the entire received signal. The received signal is then reordered so as to form an equivalent LFM received signal, and is compared with a similarly reordered image of the transmitted signal so as to estimate the range to the target. The randomization sequence, initial start frequency, or initial start time of the repetitive sequence are varied to minimize the effects of jamming by other radars, and this variation can be directionally dependent.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a mature tree for transplanting at a new location comprises a base disposed within a trench dug about the tree. At least one hydraulic actuator is connected to the base and to a horizontal member that overlies the root ball. A root ball harness attaches the root ball to the horizontal member. Energization of the actuator effects elevation of the cross member and the tree in vertical translation.