Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt utilizing a web guide and emergency locking assembly comprising a mounting frame for mounting the web guide and emergency locking assembly to an interior surface of the vehicle having a front bearing surface of non-chafing material, a retainer guide affixed to the web guide mounting bracket and further comprising a plurality of reaction springs mounted upon a plurality of dimples separated by a stopping means on its top surface, a wedge block slidably mounted upon the retainer guide and pivotly interconnected with the mounting frame having a front bearing surface of non-chafing material, a wedge block actuator resting upon the plurality of reaction springs and enclosing the wedge block, and a camming surface on each interior surface of each side member of the actuator complementary to each pin affixed to each side surface of the wedge block wherein the interaction between the wedge block and the camming surfaces contained on the actuator moves the wedge block towards the mounting frame to

Abstract: An improvement to ratchet wheels having a releasable pawl for engaging the ratchet wheel to prevent rotation thereof so as to allow release of the pawl from engagement with the ratchet wheel at a lower force. The pawl is in two parts hingedly joined together for movement between a locked position in an over-the-center state and a released position where the pawl is free to flex. A cam disc is operably connected to the pawl to move the pawl to the released position. In the absence of pressure from the cam disc, the pawl returns to the locked state from gravity and/or a spring member.

Abstract: A method for assembling a safety belt retractor in which the belt storage spool shaft and belt rub protector discs are assembled and installed simultaneously to the retractor frame. Easily assembled belt storage spool shaft and related ratchet wheel, deactivator disc, lock bar and belt return spring are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking the seat belts of a vehicle against further extensive movement during an emergency. The belt passes through a belt clamp and a roller assembly movable with respect to the clamp. The roller assembly is set to detect inertial forces and/or accelerations of the belt of a predetermined magnitude and to lock against further rotation upon their detection, whereupon further movement of the belt in the extensive direction urges the assembly against the belt clamp, causing it to lock.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant operated device for selectively eliminating the rewinding tension in a seat belt retractor mechanism. The automobile battery is operably coupled to the device, using an occupant controlled switch to a combination limit and reversing switch. The limit switch is coupled to a permanent magnet, d-c, reversing motor. Through reduction gearing, the motor shifts a rod-like member which is adapted to actuate a tension eliminator mechanism within the seat belt retractor between two positions, one in which rewinding tension imparted to the seat belt is allowed, the other in which said tension is eliminated.

Abstract: A safety belt retractor in which the belt storage spool shaft and belt rub protector discs are assembled and installed simultaneously to the retractor frame. Easily assembled belt storage spool shaft and related ratchet wheel, deactivator disc, lock bar and belt return spring are also provided.

Abstract: A dual spool safety belt retractor having first and second ratchet means on first and second spools, respectively, is provided with an improved dual locking pawl emergency locking means including an action pawl for engaging only the ratchet wheel means of the first spool in response to actuation by inertia sensing means and reaction pawl means separate from the action pawl means for reacting in response to movement of the action pawl on its engagement with the first spool to cause locking of the second spool by the separate reaction pawl. Resilient connecting means are illustrated between the action and reaction pawl means for resiliently urging the reaction pawl into locking engagement with the ratchet wheel of the second spool in a continuing manner to overcome false locking conditions, exemplary embodiments of the resilient connecting means including a flexible linkage, a resilient rubber-like body, a leaf spring, a coil spring and a right angle leaf spring.

Abstract: An emergency spool release for use with a seat belt retractor mechanism is shown wherein the seat belt mechanism includes a spool for storing a belt which restrains the passenger of a vehicle during an emergency. The belt is urged into a retracted position by spring means while the protracted position of the belt is restrained in an emergency by the automatic engagement of a locking pawl against ratchet teeth found on the periphery of the spool. The automatic engagement is accomplished by an inertia locking system. In some situations, the automatic inertia locking system does not disengage thereby making it difficult to accomplish further protraction of the seat belt in a post emergency situation. The locking pawl in the seat belt mechanism of this invention is capable of a rotational motion to engage the ratchet teeth under the urging of the inertia locking device. It is also capable of a transverse motion under the urging of a manual unlocking device for post emergency release.

Abstract: An inertia switch resettably breaks an electrical contact upon a change in the momentum of the switch body above a predetermined level or upon inversion of the switch body. An inertia sensing pendulum detects momentum changes upon the switch body and upwardly moves an actuator shaft upon a momentum change above a level determined by a biasing mechanism. The actuator shaft is coupled to an electric contact mechanism, which resettably interrupts an electrical connection upon the upward movement of the actuator shaft. A moveable mass in a cylindrical cavity is coupled to the contact mechanism and causes the electrical connection to be broken in response to an inversion of the body. A reset mechanism coupled to the contact mechanism, reestablishes the interrupted electrical connection when manual force is applied to the reset means.

Abstract: An improvement in automated passive vehicle restraint systems of the type having a power-driven upper torso restraining belt moving between stowed and wearing positions is disclosed. The upper end of the belt is attached to the driven cable by a fastener having a stiffener attached. The fastener is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cable as the fastener moves between the stowed and wearing positions. As the fastener is rotated, the stiffener maneuvers the belt away from the head and face of an occupant in the seat with which the belt is associated and correctly positions the belt on the occupant's shoulder at the wearing position.