Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for monitoring a vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a monitoring device, a monitoring request from a vehicle-mounted device, wherein the monitoring request includes location information of the vehicle, and the vehicle-mounted device sends the monitoring request when detecting a collision of the vehicle; adjusting at least one of a direction and a focal length of a lens based on the location information of the vehicle; collecting environment data of the vehicle via the adjusted lens; and storing the environment data.

Abstract: A kinetically activated method and device for initiating self-diagnostics in a variety of hardware devices to enable proactive detection and correction of faults, errors, malfunctions, failures and the like.

Abstract: A multipath charger includes a first charging path, a second charging path, and a management module. A supply voltage is coupled through the first charging path and the second charging path to a battery. The management module provides the supply voltage and detects the operating state of the battery. The management module selectively enables the first charging path, the second charging path, or both according to the operating state of the battery, so as to charge the battery through the enabled charging path.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a motor driver comprises a multipurpose pin operable to couple the motor driver to a controller and judgment logic coupled to the multipurpose pin. The motor driver is operable to receive an input signal via the multipurpose pin and may be operable in a normal operation mode or a setting operation mode. The judgment logic may be operable to detect whether a prescribed pattern is present in the input signal, wherein the prescribed pattern indicates one of the normal operation mode or the setting operation mode, control at least a portion of the motor driver to operate in the setting operation mode when the prescribed pattern is detected in the input signal, and control at least the portion of the motor driver to operate in the normal operation mode when the prescribed pattern is not detected in the input signal.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit detects vibration applied to an acceleration switch. A main determination section connectable to the acceleration switch compares an output of the acceleration switch to a preset first determination criterion to determine the vibration applied to the acceleration switch. A power supply control section control supply of power based on a result of the determination made by the main determination section. A main control section controls a control target based on the power supplied from the power supply control section. A sensor detects a physical quantity applied to the sensor based on the power supplied from the power supply control section. The power supply control section controls the supply of the power to at least one of the main control section and the sensor based on the result of the determination made by the main determination section as to the vibration applied to the acceleration switch.

Abstract: A control device, in particular for an electrical or electronic device, which has a base element and an actuating element which is manually rotatable in relation to the base element about an actuation axis, the control device further having a sensor unit for detecting a movement of the actuating element about the actuation axis, the sensor unit further including an acceleration sensor.

Abstract: When portable electronic equipment drops, CPU stops power supply to a prescribed unit. A prescribed unit is a unit that is not necessary for the continuous operation of the portable electronic equipment. When the portable electronic equipment collides with the floor or the ground, the battery terminal may be momentarily detached from the connector. In this case, instantaneous voltage drop or momentary power failure may occur. Power supply to a prescribed unit is stopped while power supply to CPU and RAM is continued. Therefore, power supply to CPU and RAM can be continued with electric charge stored in a capacitor inside the portable electronic equipment.

Abstract: In a monitoring system for a power wheelchair (low-speed mobility vehicle) and having a remote monitoring device connected to the wheelchair through a communicator, it is determined whether the wheelchair strands based on detected acceleration, and when it does, a vehicle-stranded signal that the vehicle strands is transmitted to the remote monitoring device through the communicator and predesignated information addressees including a dealer, a data terminal owned by the operator's family and emergency assistance providers such as the police or hospital are informed in response to the signal that the vehicle is stranded, thereby enabling to respond rapidly and appropriately when the wheelchair becomes stranded.

Abstract: A function driving apparatus of the present invention includes an acceleration sensor which detects acceleration components of a device in directions of x axis, y axis, and z axis which are orthogonal to each other, at every predetermined time interval; and a control section which transforms, at every predetermined time interval, the acceleration components detected by the acceleration sensor to polar coordinate components formed of an r component representing a distance from an origin of an xyz space, a ? component representing an angle formed with the x axis, and a ? component representing an angle formed with an xy plane including the x axis and the y axis, and drives a specific function of the device when a state in which the ? component and the ? component are within a predetermined set range continues for a predetermined time or longer.

Abstract: An accelerometer or other motion sensor is used to provide power to an entire processor system such that the processor does not need to be powered to process the motion signals for initial power-on control. After the processor system is powered on, the processor system may receive and process motion signals as normal, including, for example, performing various power-control functions such as power-down of certain components or the entire system upon detection of a lack of motion for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Provided is an acceleration switch capable of detecting only acceleration intended to be detected under a state where a load other than the acceleration intended to be detected is applied. The shape of a space between a mass body and a counter electrode or the shape of the counter electrode is changed, or alternatively the position of the space of the mass body or the position of the counter electrode is changed, so as to detect a predetermined acceleration.

Abstract: The hand-held electronic device includes a central processing unit, a memory unit, a state-detecting unit, a state-determining unit, a main power supply unit, a standby power supply unit, and a power supply switching unit. After determining the presence of a fall state, the state-determining unit will output a fall instruction and which causes the central processing unit to enter a low current mode; meanwhile, the power supply switching unit monitors power output and continues to supply low-potential power. In case of a fall of the hand-held electronic device, the device and method protect operation data and reduce the otherwise power-consuming current. The less power-consuming current is conducive to the reduction of capacitance required for a backup battery. The low current mode is effective in reducing the time taken to recover the operation mode of the electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib.

Abstract: The hand-held electronic device includes a central processing unit, a memory unit, a state-detecting unit, a state-determining unit, a main power supply unit, a standby power supply unit, and a power supply switching unit. After determining the presence of a fall state, the state-determining unit will output a fall prevention instruction and which causes the central processing unit to enter a low-potential current mode; meanwhile, the power supply switching unit monitors power output and continues to supply low-potential power. In case of a fall of the hand-held electronic device, the device and method protect operation data and reduce the otherwise power-consuming current. The less power-consuming current is conducive to the reduction of capacitance required for a backup battery. The low-potential current mode is effective in reducing the time taken to recover the operation mode of the electronic device.

Abstract: A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module has a power transistor, a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge, a charging circuit and a controllable energy-coupling element. The power transistor has a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A path between the first electrode and the second electrode is connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential. The charging circuit charges the pre-charge capacitance and the charging circuit is therefore coupled with the pre-charged capacitance. The controllable energy coupling element is connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance and the control electrode of the power transistor. The power switch exhibits a high degree of stability, allows a fast switching of the power transistor and further has an advantageous transient response.

Abstract: An omni directional impact-activated trigger assembly. The trigger comprises a switch mechanism that controls the activation of an operation, such as an electrical circuit, so that movement of the switch opens or closes the circuit. One specific application of this trigger is to activate an ignition shut-off circuit in a vehicle or some other electrical device in response to an impact. A spherical weight is suspended for omni directional movement by flexible suspension ligaments that transmit movement of the weight to a contact member that engages the switch. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of the frame or any impact received by the frame will register as a movement of the sphere, which in turn causes movement of the contact member toward an engaged position. An adjustable biasing member is tensioned to control the degree of impact necessary to activate the switch.

Abstract: Driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system The present invention relates to a driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system which has the following features: at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S) and at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S), at least one first and one second connection terminal (K2, K3; K21, K22, K31, K32) for connecting a load in series with the at least one first and at least one second semiconductor component the at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) being integrated in at least one first semiconductor chip (IC1; IC11, IC12) and the at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) being integrated in a second semiconductor chip (IC2) which are accommodated in a common package (PA) from which the at least one first

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an earthquake or shock responsive electric relay, shutting off electric power, or actuating the use of power in lights, motors, alarms or any electric device, which includes any electric device used to stop the flow of water, gas oil or steam. The device utilizes a common relay type design whereby its reacting parts are balanced between a weight and a spring, a relay centered between upper and lower contactors so that upon occurrence of an earthquake or other violent shock, the device cannot remain balanced, thus causing the relay to conduct the contactor. After the shock has subsided, the relay returns to the balanced-position which is equal centered distance between the upper and lower contactors. The sensitivity of the device is controllable.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint system includes a seat belt tension sensor and an occupant detection control module for characterizing the occupant of a vehicle seat to determine whether to allow or suppress deployment of supplemental inflatable restraints for the occupant. The belt tension sensor includes on-board signal processing circuitry and is coupled to occupant detection control module via a two wire interface that both powers the sensor and its signal processing circuitry and supports communication of belt tension data to the occupant detection control module. The sensor produces an electrical signal responsive to seat belt tension, and the processing circuitry generates one of a specified number of messages pertaining to the range of the measured tension, and then modulates the current through the two wire interface to communicate the generated message to the occupant detection control module.

Abstract: A passenger protection system is triggered directly at least when a second stage is reached among at least two different stages of an accident hazard an/or accident force, determined in accordance with sensor signals. Already when a first accident hazard and/or accident force stage is reached, at least an indirect trigger command is sent to individual passenger protection systems, a specified time interval is started, and, in the event of the second accident hazard and/or accident force stage not being reached within the specified time interval, a cancel command is sent to cancel the indirect trigger command. On receipt of such an indirect trigger command the passenger protection systems also start a relevant time interval, and in the event of the cancel command not being received on expiry of the relevant time interval, they automatically activate the triggering of the passenger protection systems.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is presented so that the master control circuit in the system instructs the passenger airbag control circuit controlling the operation of the airbag designated for the passenger seat to be in the deployable state or not-deployable state, depending on the seating conditions of a passenger sitting on the passenger seat, for example whether the passenger is an adult or a child.

Abstract: A system for controlling air bag deployment in vehicles includes the capability of accommodating varying inductants values in the air bag circuit. Wire harnesses that couple air bag components have varying characteristics, such as length, which affect the inductants value of the circuit. The inventive arrangement utilizes charge and discharge times of at least one capacitor for measuring the inductants of a particular circuit. The system includes a controller that accommodates the inductants by introducing an appropriate delay in the firing circuit signal to operate the air bag.

Abstract: An automated airbag deployment system employs an additional switch that is utilized to prevent inadvertent triggering of the gas discharge initiator mechanism. The additional switch member is placed in parallel with the airbag initiator triggering device. This is a normally closed switch which effectively short-circuits the two electrical contacts of the airbag initiator triggering member. This short-circuit effectively prevents inadvertent triggering of this mechanism of the device through static electricity or some other undesired electrical event. The short-circuit mechanism may be utilized to provide improved safety throughout the manufacturing process as well as after the product has been incorporated into a passenger compartment. The resultant product that incorporates this device is much more stable and provides an additional margin of safety.

Abstract: A body incline sensor includes an erroneous detection preventing circuit for transmitting an inclined state signal by determining that a body is in an inclined state when an incline angle detector detects a weight, and a state so detected continues over a predetermined length of time. In the event that the incline angle detector does not detect a weight within a predetermined length of time due to an inertia force resulting when a body is rolling, no inclined state signal is transmitted from an inclined state transmitter, whereby the erroneous detection of the incline of the body can be prevented, the accuracy with which the incline of the body is detected being thus improved.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical impact detecting device for a vehicle is provided which implements a multi-stage control for vehicle occupant protection systems and improves the operational delay characteristics of the vehicle occupant protection systems at an irregular collision based on the setting of multiple impact levels which are detected. When a main rotor rotates by a certain amount against the exertion force of a moving contact, the moving contact and fixed contact close the circuit, thereby detecting the first impact level. When the main rotor further rotates against the exertion force of the torsional coil spring, the remaining two pairs of fixed contacts and close the circuits sequentially, thereby detecting the second and third impact levels, respectively.

Abstract: A fault tolerant air bag system needs a floating supply, which supply conventionally is made by means of a DC-DC converter with a transformer. By splitting the main energy reserve capacitor (14) into two capacitors (14, 34), and coupling one of the capacitors (34) to the other (14) by means of switches (36, 38) which open during a crash, no transformer is needed any more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method test an electric circuit. During the testing of the switches connected in series with the ignition pellet, the maximum current flowing through the respective switch to be tested is limited to a value that is insufficient for igniting the ignition pellet even in the event of a leak occurring. This current limiting is preferably achieved by reducing the switch gate voltage while the switch test is being accomplished.

Abstract: A method for operating a safety device for motor vehicles which contains a multistage high-current battery isolating switch, disconnection of the battery from the vehicle's electrical system being blocked by vehicle operating signals, is characterized in that, to reactivate the vehicle, door contact switches are actuated and feed battery current to a switching logic which actuates the battery isolating switch by motor operation, in such a way that said switching logic moves the battery isolating switch into a standard position which connects the vehicle's electrical system to the battery.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving vehicle safety in a crash situation for a vehicle having mountable vehicle components. A plurality of pyrotechnic bolts are used to mechanically couple at least a portion of the vehicle components to the vehicle. A force measuring device measures forces experienced by the vehicle during a crash and produces a signal indicative thereof. This signal is compared with a threshold. An activation signal is generated when the threshold is attained. Failure of the pyrotechnic bolts is then initiated in accordance with a prescribed plan.

Abstract: The circuit for stabilizing a high voltage for a picture tube comprises a high-voltage transformer, which has a primary winding and a high-voltage winding, a switch, which is connected in series with the primary winding, and a control loop for high-voltage stabilization. The control voltage of the control loop, with which the switch is driven, is derived from two signals in this case. The first signal is tapped off from a secondary auxiliary winding at the transformer and supplies a static control voltage component, and the second signal is derived directly from the high voltage and supplies a measure of the dynamic loading on the high-voltage generator. The static control voltage component is, in particular, a measure of the value of the high voltage during the vertical line flyback, when the screen is black and the high-voltage transformer is minimally loaded. In this case, the auxiliary winding supplies a voltage which is proportional to the secondary flyback pulse.

Abstract: To improve a response rate and an impact detection precision of an auxiliary acceleration sensor device for an air bag system, an auxiliary acceleration sensor device includes a longitudinal G sensor for sensing a longitudinal acceleration G of a vehicle, and lateral G sensor for sensing a lateral acceleration G of the vehicle. The longitudinal G sensor includes a constant current source circuit, a detector portion for outputting an electrical signal representative of a longitudinal acceleration G, and an amplifier portion for amplifying the signal received from the detecting portion. The comparator includes comparing elements that compare the voltage values corresponding to longitudinal threshold values Tf1 to Tf4 of the longitudinal acceleration G with an output signal of the amplifier portion.

Abstract: A switching process and apparatus for switching-off an electric energy supply of a vehicle has two switching elements which are mounted in the proximity of the electric energy source, and couple it to supply electric energy to consuming devices of the vehicle. In the event of a fault, an all-pole switch-off is implemented by opening both switching elements. One of the two switching elements is an operating switch by means of which the electric energy source can be switched off in normal operation. In the case of a vehicle driven by an electric motor in a normal operation the driving current of the electric motor is first controlled downward, and the operating switch is then opened when the driving current is decreased.

Abstract: A crash detection apparatus of a vehicle includes acceleration sensors mounted on different positions of a vehicle, each for detecting an acceleration at its position. A crash mode identifying section identifies a crash mode of the vehicle in accordance with a time difference between timings at which integral values obtained by integrating the individual acceleration signals supplied from the acceleration detectors exceed a threshold value. In accordance with the crash mode, a reference threshold value of a comparator for making a crash decision is determined. This makes it possible to implement a crash detection apparatus of a vehicle capable of making a responsive crash decision even in an asymmetric crash in which only one side of the vehicle is deformed and the occurrence of a large acceleration signal is delayed.

Abstract: Portable electronic equipment includes a carried-by-user detector for detecting whether the electronic equipment is in a state carried by a user or not. When the electronic equipment is in a state not carried by the user, i.e., when the user is not employing the electronic equipment, an operating mode is shifted from a normal operating mode to a power saving mode to reduce power consumption of the electronic equipment. Useless consumption of power during non-use of the electronic equipment can be thus reduced. Further, in electronic equipment (timepiece) incorporating a power generator for generating power by converting first energy (motion, pressure or heat) into electric energy as second energy, whether the power generator is generating power, i.e.

Abstract: A smart switch produces a signal responsive to movement of said switch between a first state and a second state. The said switch has a first state position and a second state position. The switch can be moved from said first state to said second state responsive to a force applied to said switch. The switch includes a transducer, such as a load cell, that is responsive to said force for producing a transducer signal indicative of the force applied to said switch. The transducer signal is indicative of the amount of movement of said switch from said first state to said second state.

Abstract: A direction signaling system (12) for a vehicle (10) includes left and right signaling units (16-22) that are operable for indicating intended turning movements of the vehicle. A module (26) controls selective operation of the signaling units (16-22) and controls cancellation of signaling unit operation. The module (26) includes an accelerometer (e.g., 38) for sensing vehicle acceleration. A processor (50) of the module (26) determines if the sensed acceleration is indicative of a need to cancel signaling unit operation and cancels signaling unit operation in response to the determination.

Abstract: A micro-miniature switch apparatus (10) includes a substrate (12) having a surface (14) with first and second channels (16, 18) extending from the surface (14) into the substrate (12). The first and second channels (16, 18) are spaced apart from each other, with a channel axis (20) extending longitudinally through the first and second channels (16, 18). A body (68) that is movable relative to the substrate (12) includes two arms (70, 72). Each of the arms (70, 72) extends into one of the first and second channels (16, 18) to support the body (68) for movement relative to the substrate (12) between first and second electrical conditions of the switch apparatus (10).

Abstract: A device for protecting vehicle occupants in a motor vehicle has an impact sensor unit which is provided in a front region of the motor vehicle. A control unit is provided in a central region of the motor vehicle and has an acceleration sensor for controlling a vehicle occupant protection device. The control unit triggers the vehicle occupant protection device as a function of the evaluated acceleration signal and of a code signal which is transmitted by the impact sensor unit via a data line.

Abstract: In the case of a process for deactivating pyrotechnic actuators in vehicles, the actuators are triggered jointly if a code signal provided for this purpose and stored in the vehicle is fed from the outside. The two code signals are checked with respect to their conformity.

Abstract: A crew protection apparatus includes a DC power source; a squib connected in series with the DC power source; a plurality of switch circuits inserted between the DC power source and the squib or between the squib and the ground side; an acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration caused by a collision; a collision determination circuit for, when receiving an acceleration signal from the acceleration sensor, determining the scale of a collision on the basis of the acceleration signal and outputting an ignition control signal in coincident with the timing supplied to the switch circuit and further outputting a current control signal in synchronism with the ignition control signal when it is determined that the collision is a serious collision; and a current limit circuit for limiting the magnitude of an ignition current flowing through the squib in accordance with the ignition control signal and the current control signal from the collision determination circuit.

Abstract: A charge transfer load sensor. A first and second electrode are disposed a fixed distance apart, and a third electrode is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The third electrode is grounded and its position between the first and second electrodes varies in response to an applied force. A switch arrangement applies a predetermined voltage level to the first electrode and couples the second electrode to ground during a first predetermined timing interval. During a second predetermined timing interval, the first electrode is coupled to the second electrode to transfer the charge of a first capacitor formed by the first and third electrodes to a second capacitor formed by the second and third electrodes. An output port coupled to the second electrode provides an output voltage as a function of the applied force.

Abstract: A micro-miniature acceleration switch (e.g., 10) has a substrate (14) and an inertial mass member ("IMM"12) fabricated upon the substrate. The substrate (14) has a planar surface (16), and the IMM (12) is movable relative to the substrate from a first position to a second position when the switch (10) is accelerated along at least one direction parallel to the planar surface by acceleration of sufficient magnitude. Electrical contacts (e.g., 42) are fabricated upon the substrate (14) with at least one contact being coupled to the IMM (12). The contacts (42) move between closed and open positions when the IMM (12) moves between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, an electrode (e.g., 62) provides an electrostatic force that opposes the acceleration forces and holds the IMM (12) in a holding position until overcome by the predetermined acceleration force.

Abstract: When an inclination switch SW3 is turned on by inclining a wristwatch 12 up at 12 o'clock within a predetermined time after an acceleration switch SW2 is turned on in a state where an auto mode on/off subswitch SW1-1 is on, a lighting circuit lights up an electroluminescence panel EL and puts off same automatically after a predetermined time has passed. If the auto mode subswitch SW1-1 is off, there is no possibility that the panel EL will be lighted up even when the user makes a motion to look at the time displayed on the wristwatch. As a result, the panel EL is not recklessly lighted up excluding by the user's intended motion, useless power consumption is suppressed to prolong the life of a battery used.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive switch (10) equipped with an inertial mass member ("IMM") (12) that is deflectable from a holding position to an actuated position in response to a predetermined acceleration force. A voltage controlled hold plate (18) generates an electrostatic force that opposes the acceleration forces and holds the IMM (12) in a holding position until overcome by the predetermined acceleration force. The predetermined acceleration force necessary to trigger the switch may conveniently be adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the hold plate (18). The switch includes a self-test plate (34) that tests proper functioning of the switch. Other features include the interchangeability of the self-test plate and the hold plate. The switch is particularly useful as a safing switch in a system for controlling an air bag or other vehicle occupant restraint system.

Abstract: A collision detecting apparatus (1) comprises a pair of deformation sensor (2) and G sensor (3) having output signals to be supplied to a control circuit (19). When a door outer panel (18) is deformed by collision of a vehicle, the deformation sensor (2) is turned on. Meanwhile, the door, when received an impact force, will be subjected to a large G sufficient to turn on the G sensor (3). Thus, the control circuit (19) generates an actuation signal for exploding an air bag only when the sensors (2) and (3) generate ON signals. However, when the door outer panel (18) is manually pushed or swung for opening/closing operation, only one of these two sensors (2) and (3) is turned on. Hence, the control circuit (19) does not generate the actuation signal, thereby surely detecting the collision of the vehicle and preventing the air bag from being erroneously exploded.

Abstract: An electrical switch sensitive to an externally applied inertial and gravitational force, having an enclosure with a closed space; a conductive fluid filing a first portion of the space and a non-conductive medium filling a second portion of the space, the conductive fluid and the non-conductive medium having differing densities; at least two electrodes in communication with the space; an electrical circuit coupled the contacts and having electrical connections for connection with a power source and a load, having a semiconductor switching device, which is responsive to a current through the contacts, a current through the contacts causing the semiconductor switching device to change in conductivity. An externally applied force, e.g., gravity or inertial force, causes the conductive fluid to move within the enclosure with respect to the contacts, altering a current through the contacts, and thereby changing a conducting state of the semiconductor switching device.

Abstract: A crash sensor assembly (10) includes a base (12). Mounted on the base (12) are an inertia sensor assembly (32) having an axis of sensitivity (40) and an accelerometer assembly (56) having an axis of sensitivity (64). The accelerometer assembly (56) is mounted such that its axis of sensitivity (64) is substantially parallel to the axis of sensitivity (40) of the inertia sensor assembly (32). The base (12) includes terminal supports (24, 26) which provide for physical mounting of and electrical connection to the inertia sensor assembly (32) and accelerometer assembly (56). A housing (32) sealingly engages with the base (12) to house and protect the inertia sensor assembly (32) and accelerometer assembly (56).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch arrangement for signaling the movement and the inclination of the switch arrangement which is accommodated in a housing. The switch arrangement (2) includes a first switch (12) configured as an On/Off switch and a second switch (10) connected to a capacitor (K). The switches include each conductor portions (22, 24) adapted to be connected to each other by a movable actuating member (18). While the switch (12) signals both the movement and the inclination of the arrangement (2), the switch (10) signals a movement of the arrangement (2) by issuing pulse signals. In the position of the rest of the actuating member (18), none of the switches is activated. In one configuration of the switch arrangement, the actuating member is guided in a cutout whose sides extend towards each other in a converging fashion.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor that includes a permanent magnet mounted for movement within a cylindrical cavity in a body of non-magnetic material. The magnet has a cylindrical geometry and an outer surface with a first portion of electrically conductive construction entirely around the magnet adjacent to one axial end thereof, and a second portion of electrically non-conductive construction entirely around the magnet adjacent to an opposing end thereof. A pair of diametrically opposed electrical contact leaves extend through openings into resilient sliding contact with the magnet. The magnet is resiliently urged toward one end of the cavity such that the contacts are in engagement with one of the first and second surface portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for tripping a system for the protection of occupants of a vehicle has a first sensor (10) for sensing the acceleration of the vehicle in its direction of forward motion and a second sensor (12) for sensing the acceleration of the vehicle in a direction transverse to its direction of forward motion. The two sensors are under the control of control devices (14,16) which trigger the occupant protection system in dependence upon the signals from the first and second sensors (10,12).