Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system (10) includes a sensor (16) which is effective to sense a distance between a vehicle (12) and an object (14) adjacent to the vehicle (12). The sensor (16) also is effective to provide a sensor signal (18) indicative of the distance between the vehicle (12) and the adjacent object (14). The system (10) also includes a length of seat belt webbing (26) extensible about an occupant (28) of the vehicle. An actuatable mechanism (22) is operatively connected with the webbing (26). The actuatable mechanism (22) is operable to effect a tightening of the webbing (26) around the vehicle occupant (28) upon the sensor signal (18) indicating that the distance between the vehicle (12) and the adjacent object (14) is within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a steering assembly having an electric motor coupled to the steering assembly for providing power assist. The electric power assist motor is drivably connected to a steering member for assisting movement thereof in response to applied input torque to the vehicle steering wheel. The electronic control unit monitors an output signal from a torsion sensor which measures the amount of applied input torque. The electronic control unit generates a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle proportional to the measured amount of applied input torque. Solid state switches provide connection between the vehicle battery and the motor, the connection time being controlled by the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal. A speed decoder determines which of a plurality of speed ranges the vehicle is moving. A plurality of look-up tables are provided, each table includes a value of power assist for a given amount of applied input torque.