Abstract: A system for automated speech recognition utilizes computer memory, a processor executing imaging software and audio processing software, and a camera transmitting images of a physical source of speech input. Audio processing software includes an audio data stream of audio samples derived from at least one speech input. At least one timer is configured to transmit elapsed time values as measured in response to respective triggers received by the timer. The audio processing software is configured to assert and de-assert the timer triggers to measure respective audio sample times and interim period times between the audio samples. The audio processing software is further configured to compare the interim period times with a command spacing time value corresponding to an expected interim time value between commands, thereby determining if the speech input is command data or non-command data.

Abstract: Various implementations include a vehicle component heating system that includes an electrode disposed within a sensing zone, and a processor. The electrode generates heat for a surface of a vehicle component within the sensing zone and senses proximity of an occupant to the sensing zone. The processor selects a heating percentage of a duty cycle for generating a heating signal, a sensing percentage of the duty cycle for generating and measuring a sensing signal and reporting the measured sensing signal, and an idle percentage of the duty cycle during which neither the heating nor the sensing signal is generated, wherein the sum of the heating, sensing, and idle percentages is 100%. The processor generates the heating signal and/or generates and measures the sensing signal and reports the measurement of the sensing signal based on the selected percentages.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for a seat belt device in a vehicle. The retractor includes a frame and a spool configured to be fixed to one end of a seat belt webbing so that the webbing may be wound around the spool. The spool is rotatably mounted at both ends to the frame and configured to rotate in a webbing extraction direction and a webbing retraction direction. The retractor includes a staged torsion bar positioned end to end in the spool along an axis of rotation of the spool. The retractor also includes a shift assembly to shift between the stages of the staged torsion bar. The shift assembly includes a shift link locked by a shift collar and a shift ring meshed in a shift plate.

Abstract: A system to electronically connect an electronic device to a network includes a sensing electrode that provides a signal. The signal has a particular frequency and power, and the electrode is configured to transmit the signal through a person occupying a proscribed location. The electronic device is configured to detect the signal when the electronic device is coupled to a person occupying the proscribed location. The electronic device is configured to electronically couple to the network upon detecting the signal.

Abstract: An occupant or object sensing system in a vehicle includes electrical circuits for capacitive sensing and corresponding circuits shielding the sensing system from interference. A sensing circuit and a shielding circuit may be printed by screen printing with conductive ink on opposite sides of a non-conductive substrate. The substrate is a plastic film or other fabric that has an elastic memory structure that is resilient to stretching. The conductive inks used to print circuits onto the substrate have a similar resilience to stretching such that the substrate and the circuits thereon can be subject to deforming forces without breaking the printed circuits. The substrate may be covered with a carbon polymer layer to provide alternative conductive paths that enable fast recovery for conduction in the presence of any break in the printed conductive traces on the substrate.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for a seat belt device in a vehicle. The retractor including a frame and a spool. The spool is configured to be fixed to one end of a webbing which is wound around the spool. A pretensioner device configured to rotate the spool in response to an excessive acceleration of the vehicle. The pretensioner device comprises a power transmission element carried in a pretensioner tube that is driven by a piston located in the pretensioner tube. The pretensioner device includes a gas generator for driving the piston into the power transmission element. The pretensioner device includes a seal system that includes a stopper tube located in a downstream end of the pretensioner tube to create a stop location for the piston to prevent operating gas from exiting the end of the pretensioner tube.

Abstract: A container that includes an inner receptacle and outer carton. The inner receptacle includes a plurality of reinforcement straps. The reinforcement straps are attached to the inner receptacle and configured to absorb energy from a deployment of a vehicle safety device such as an airbag module. The reinforcement straps may be placed in a cross or parallel configuration.

Abstract: Various implementations include a vehicle occupant imaging system that is disposed within a vehicle. The system includes an automotive clock spring, at least one imaging unit, and a first processing unit. The automotive clock spring includes a rotor to which a rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly is coupled, a stator coupled to a stationary portion of the vehicle, and a set of wires extending between the rotor and stator. The imaging unit is coupled to the rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly. The first processing unit is disposed within the rotor and is configured for electrically receiving image signals captured by the imaging unit and selecting at least a portion of the image signals for communicating to a second processing unit disposed outside of the rotor. The selected image signals are electrically communicated to the second processing unit via the set of electrical wires.

Abstract: A driver's side airbag module for a vehicle. The airbag module includes an upper panel, a lower panel, and an extension panel. The extension panel has a varying width. A lateral tether restrains the extension panel in the lateral direction when the airbag module is deployed. The extension panel and the lateral tether create an oblong shaped airbag cushion. The airbag module also includes a lower tether that connects the lower panel and the bottom of the upper panel so that the upper panel is held on the bottom portion during deployment.

Abstract: Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A driver's side airbag module for a vehicle. The airbag module includes an upper panel, a lower panel, and an extension panel. The extension panel has a varying width. A lateral tether restrains the extension panel in the lateral direction when the airbag module is deployed. The extension panel and the lateral tether create an oblong shaped airbag cushion. The airbag module also includes a lower tether that connects the lower panel and the bottom of the upper panel so that the upper panel is held on the bottom portion during deployment.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel frame having a rim portion and a hub portion within the rim portion. The hub has a first surface facing a rear of the vehicle and a second surface facing a front of the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) has a first surface facing the rear of the vehicle located in a plane that is disposed between a second plane that includes the second surface of the hub and the front of the vehicle. An electrical connector extends from the first surface of the ECU towards the first surface of the hub portion. The ECU comprises a clock spring connector electrically coupled to the electrical connector via a wire trace. By incorporating wire traces that provide electrical connections between the electrical connectors and the clock spring connector, the ECU reduces the size and/or number of wire harnesses used in the steering wheel assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system of detecting seat belt operation in a vehicle includes at least one light source configured to emit a predetermined wavelength of light onto structures within the vehicle, wherein at least one of the structures is a passenger seat belt assembly having a pattern that reflects the predetermined wavelength at a preferred luminance. At least one 3-D time of flight camera is positioned in the vehicle to receive reflected light from the structures in the vehicle and provide images of the structures that distinguish the preferred luminance of the pattern from other structures in the vehicle. A computer processor connected to computer memory and the camera includes computer readable instructions causing the processor to reconstruct 3-D information in regard to respective images of the structures and calculate a depth measurement of the distance of the reflective pattern on the passenger seat belt assembly from the camera.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes a composition that contains a nonmetal perchlorate such as ammonium perchlorate as a first oxidizer, a secondary metal nitrate oxidizer such as strontium nitrate or sodium nitrate, a first fuel such as maleic hydrazide and salts thereof, and a second nitrogen-containing fuel such as nitroguanidine or guanidine nitrate. Gas generating systems 180 such as vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system including a yoke type steering wheel. An airbag module located in the steering wheel and including an inflator and an airbag. The airbag is configured to inflate into two configurations. In the first configuration the airbag is fully inflated into a circular configuration and in the second configuration the airbag inflates into a u-shaped configuration. The u-shaped configuration is formed by a tether connected at a first end to the airbag and at a second end to a tether release device. The tether release device is configured to stay connected to the tether when the driver is determined to be in an out of position (OOP) condition.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor that includes a torsion bar is positioned in a spool. The second end of the torsion bar is engaged with a locking mechanism mounted to the frame. The torsion bar is configured to be locked at the second end while the first end rotates with the spool so that the torsion bar deforms to absorb force. The locking mechanism includes a lock base and a locking hub that is mounted to the second end of the torsion bar and is releasably connected to the lock base to prevent the second end of the torsion bar from rotating. The locking hub is configured to be released and rotate relative to the lock base to thereby permit rotation of the second end of the torsion bar with the first end of the torsion bar and the spool.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor including a spool and a measurement mechanism for determining a measure of the amount of seat belt webbing unwound from the spool. The measurement mechanism includes cycloidal gear transmission. A sensor is provided for detecting movement of a magnet mounted on a sensing gear and a controller may be provided for determining a measure indicating the amount of rotation of the spool and the amount of webbing withdrawal based on the movement of the magnet.