Abstract: A rolamite sensor includes a formed sheet metal base attached to a metal chassis. One surface of the sheet metal base acts as a guide surface for a roller. A thin metal foil band is wrapped around the roller and has its ends welded to the base underneath the base. The roller is biased into a first position and is rollable on the guide surface from its first position under an applied force to cause the band to engage a firing contact. A single pin connected to the firing contact extends through the chassis and is electrically insulated from the chassis. The pin and chassis are connected to opposite electric potentials in the vehicle. When the band engages the firing contact, an electrical circuit is completed through the pin, the firing contact, the band, the base, and the chassis to activate a vehicle safety apparatus. The sheet metal base includes a calibration tab which sets the first position of the roller along the guide surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for actuating a passenger restraint system in a passenger vehicle. Vehicle deceleration is sensed and a vehicle condition signal is provided which varies in value with that of vehicle deceleration. The condition signal is differentiated to provide a jerk signal having a value which varies with the rate of change of the vehicle deceleration. A predetermined time period is timed only so long as the value of the condition signal exceeds that of a first threshold level. A second signal is provided so long as the value of the jerk signal exceeds that of a jerk threshold level. A trigger signal is provided for actuating the restraint system only when the second signal occurs during the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A fuel heater adapted to mount in series with a diesel engine fuel line comprises a metal pipe having a resistance heater wound around a first straight portion of the pipe containing a fluid deflector dividing the first portion into a plurality of fluid passages. A U-shaped bend is formed in a second portion of the pipe upstream from the heater. The pipe is flattened to less than half the normal diameter of the pipe in the bight of the U-shaped portion and a bimetal disk thermostatic switch is mounted on the flattened wall of the pipe. When the ambient temperature of the fuel is below a predetermined temperature and is flowing through the flattened pipe, the switch activates the heater, but if the fuel stops flowing or increases in ambient temperature, the switch cuts off the heater.