Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a pre-crash sensing system (12) (“PCS system”) for a vehicle (18) for processing images within a substantially quick time. This system (12) includes one or more sensors (14) for detecting one or more objects (16) that are located external to the vehicle (18). These sensors (14) are coupled to a controller (22) for transmitting data associated with a detected object (16) to the controller (22). The controller (22) utilizes an algorithm to store this data and the object's identity. Also, the controller (22) utilizes the algorithm to classify the object into a predetermined category when the controller (22) determines that the object (16) requires classification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the force produced by an air spring assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes mechanisms for determining the position, velocity, and direction of movement of the chassis relative to the wheel and tire assembly as well as a mechanism for measuring the pressure within the air spring. A processor is utilized to determine the force produced by the air spring based upon these measured parameters. A method for determining the air spring force is also disclosed.

Abstract: An active suspension system (10) includes an electrically powered actuator (16) utilized with a height sensor (18) and a gas spring (24) controlled by a gas supply (26) that pressurizes and vents the gas spring to quickly add or remove a predetermined force as needed in assisting the electrically powered actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting dynamic rotational imbalance of vehicle roadwheel assemblies includes a force measurement sensor for sensing a combined force exerted between the surface upon which the vehicle is traveling and the vehicle sprung mass and further includes a device for generating a combined force signal corresponding to the sensed combined force. The apparatus further includes processor responsive to the combined force signal for determining the dynamic rotational balance condition of the roadwheel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the centripetal force of an automotive vehicle operating on a roadway includes a vehicle speed measuring mechanism and a steering force measuring mechanism. Information regarding vehicle speed and steering force are fed into a processor which determines the centripetal force of the vehicle.

Abstract: A circuit for correcting a fault in an automotive system having at least two operating states includes an actuator mechanism for placing the system into one of at least two operating states and a switching mechanism, such as a relay, operatively connected with the actuator mechanism for driving the actuator mechanism upon passing a current through the switching mechanism. The circuit further includes a fault warning mechanism for detecting an inability of the actuator to place the system into a desired operating state and for generating a fault warning signal in response to the detection as well as a control unit for activating the switching mechanism according to a predetermined sequence upon generation of the fault warning signal to correct the inability of the actuator mechanism to place the system into a desired operating state.