Abstract: An adaptive seat belt system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12). The system (10) includes a seat belt (16) extensible about an occupant (42) of a seat system (14). A seat belt tension sensor (18) is coupled to the seat belt (16) and generates a seat belt tension signal. A seat belt actuator (20) is mechanically coupled to the seat belt (16) and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16). A controller (26) is electrically coupled to the tensioner sensor (18) and the actuator (20). The controller (26) generates a seat belt tension adjustment signal in response to the seat belt tension signal and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16) in response to the seat belt tension adjustment signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A method for tilting a seat of a vehicle based on a first threshold (low) and a first threshold (high) for a first parameter of the vehicle and a second threshold (low) and a second threshold (high) for a second parameter of the vehicle. The tilt angle of the seat is increased if the first parameter is greater that or equal to the first threshold (low) and the second parameter is greater than or equal to the second threshold (high) or if the parameter is greater than or equal to the first threshold (high) and the second parameter is greater than or equal to the second threshold (low).

Abstract: A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.

Abstract: An adaptive seat belt system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The system (10) includes a seat belt (16) extensible about an occupant (42) of a seat system (14). A seat belt tension sensor (18) is coupled to the seat belt (16) and generates a seat belt tension signal. A seat belt actuator (20) is mechanically coupled to the seat belt (16) and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16). A controller (26) is electrically coupled to the tensioner sensor (18) and the actuator (20). The controller (26) generates a seat belt tension adjustment signal in response to the seat belt tension signal and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16) in response to the seat belt tension adjustment signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster (12) on a seat (10) of a vehicle (22). The preferred method includes (a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster (12) and (b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

Abstract: The seating system of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically designed for a vehicle having a deceleration sensor adapted to sense a deceleration event of the vehicle. The seating system of this preferred embodiment includes a seat assembly, a tilting mechanism adapted to tilt the seat assembly, and a control unit coupled to the deceleration sensor and adapted to activate the tilting mechanism upon the sensing of a deceleration event.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a bolster (22) on a seat (10) involves sensing upper and lower limits of several vehicle parameters to determine bolster condition.

Abstract: A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a bolster (22) on a seat (10) involves sensing upper and lower limits of several vehicle parameters to determine bolster condition.

Abstract: A method for tilting a seat of a vehicle based on a first thresholdlow and a first thresholdhigh for a first parameter of the vehicle and a second thresholdlow and a second thresholdhigh for a second parameter of the vehicle. The tilt angle of the seat is increased if the first parameter≧first thresholdlow and the second parameter≧second thresholdhigh or if the first parameter≧first thresholdhigh and the second parameter≧second thresholdlow.

Abstract: The seating system of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically designed for a vehicle having a deceleration sensor adapted to sense a deceleration event of the vehicle. The seating system of this preferred embodiment includes a seat assembly, a tilting mechanism adapted to tilt the seat assembly, and a control unit coupled to the deceleration sensor and adapted to activate the tilting mechanism upon the sensing of a deceleration event.

Abstract: A simulator for a trailer incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.