Abstract: A force-sensing mechanism (20) comprising: a housing having first (22) and second (24) housing members; a slidable plate positioned between plate portions of the first and second housing members and moveable thereto; various spacers located between the first housing member and the sliding plate to space and stabilize the plate relative to the first and second housing members; a magnetic sensor stationarily mounted between the first and second housing members, a magnet moveable with the sliding member in response to forces applied to the first and second housing members and to the sliding plate; a spring assembly (250) having one end in operative engagement with the sliding plate and another end in operative engagement with the housing while biasing the sliding plate within the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly including a seat belt buckle, the buckle including: a frame (26) defining a tongue-receiving slot (40); a latch plate (34) operably positioned in relation to the tongue-receiving slot and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; a latch spring (64) for biasing the latch plate toward the locked position; an ejector mechanism (28) located behind the tongue-receiving slot and rearwardly movable in response to inward movement of a tongue; the ejector including a first portion engageable by the tongue and rearwardly movable to a position beyond the location of the latch plate and a second portion (80) slidably receiving and supporting the latch plate, the second portion remaining in contact with the latch plate, preventing the latch plate from moving to its locked position even when the first portion has moved beyond the latch plate.

Abstract: A force sensor (50, 50′, 50a) generates a signal indicating the usage of a seat belt. A cylindrical housing (70, 70′) has a wall (72) and a bottom (74) which define an internal cavity (88). The bottom has an opening (76) through it. A cable anchor (90) is slidably received within the cavity and is connected to a cable (54). The cable has one end secured to the cable anchor and another end connected to an anchor point. A magnet (120) is connected to a top of the cable anchor and is movable with the cable anchor. The cable anchor is biased to resist motion of the cable anchor toward the bottom of the housing. A magnetic sensor (200) generates a signal indicative of the distance between it and the magnet. A sensor housing (180) is connected to the housing and is positioned on the housing to position the magnetic sensor a determinable distance from the magnet at a null position. A housing end cap (150) is secured to the housing for enclosing an open end of the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly including a seat belt buckle, the buckle including: a frame (26) defining a tongue-receiving slot (40); a latch plate (34) operably positioned in relation to the tongue-receiving slot and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; a latch spring (64) for biasing the latch plate toward the locked position; an ejector mechanism (28) located behind the tongue-receiving slot and rearwardly movable in response to inward movement of a tongue; the ejector including a first portion engageable by the tongue and rearwardly movable to a position beyond the location of the latch plate and a second portion (80) slidably receiving and supporting the latch plate, the second portion remaining in contact with the latch plate, preventing the latch plate from moving to its locked position even when the first portion has moved beyond the latch plate.

Abstract: A force sensor (50;50′;50a) for generating a signal indicative of the usage of a seat belt comprising:

Abstract: A force-sensing mechanism (20) comprising: a housing having first (22) and second (24) housing members; a slidable plate positioned between plate portions of the first and second housing members and moveable thereto; various spacers located between the first housing member and the sliding plate to space and stabilize the plate relative to the first and second housing members; a magnetic sensor stationarily mounted between the first and second housing members, a magnet moveable with the sliding member in response to forces applied to the first and second housing members and to the sliding plate; a spring assembly (250) having one end in operative engagement with the sliding plate and another end in operative engagement with the housing while biasing the sliding plate within the housing.

Abstract: A force sensor (50, 50′, 50a) generates a signal indicating the usage of a seat belt. A cylindrical housing (70, 70′) has a wall (72) and a bottom (74) which define an internal cavity (124). The bottom has an opening (76) through it. A cable anchor (90) is slidably received within the cavity and is connected to a cable (54). The cable has one end secured to the cable anchor and another end connected to an anchor point. A magnet (120) is connected to a top of the cable anchor and is movable with the cable anchor. The cable anchor is biased to resist motion of the cable anchor toward the bottom of the housing. A magnetic sensor (200) for generates a signal indicative of the distance between it and the magnet. A sensor housing (180) is connected to the housing and is positioned on the housing to position the magnetic sensor a determinable distance from the magnet at a null position. A housing end cap (150) is secured to the housing for enclosing an open end of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (20, 400) comprising: a gear (402) operatively linked to a rotationally supported spool (20) to rotate the spool (24) in a direction of retraction to cause a seat belt (22) wound thereabout to retract; a belt tightener comprising: a gear unit (410) having a first drive member (412) which is initially uncoupled from the gear (402) and which as it rotates is placed into driving engagement with the gear (402) and which upon further rotation is moved to a condition of disengagement with the spur gear to permit the spool to rotate free of the pretensioner and a rack (420) operably connected to the gear unit to cause same to rotate.

Abstract: A flexible retainer which may be used to attach papers and the like to a wall, bulletin board, etc. includes a body formed from flexible material with a spacer section and at least two finger grips extending outwardly away from the spacer section, and at least two pins extending from the body away from the finger grips, the pins normally disposed in a non-parallel configuration so as to define an angle therebetween. The body is deformable to temporarily align the pins in a substantially parallel configuration for insertion thereof into a wall or other surface.

Abstract: A flexible fabric sunroof retracts by means of cable driven guide shoes driving a front header to the open position and thereby moving odd numbered position bows 3 and 5 along horizontal side tracks within the roof. Even numbered position bows 2, 4 and 6 are biased upwardly to lift the slack fabric above the roof plane during retraction. The fabric sunroof may be totally removed from the roof structure to provide for the largest possible roof opening by removal of a rear header attached to the rear roof frame and detachment of the front header from the guide shoes. A wind deflector is provided which is concealed within sunroof when in the closed position.

Abstract: A flexible retainer which may be used to attach papers and the like to a wall, bulletin board, etc. includes a body formed from flexible material with a spacer section and at least two finger grips extending outwardly away from the spacer section, and at least two pins extending from the body away from the finger grips, the pins normally disposed in a non-parallel configuration so as to define an angle therebetween. The body is deformable to temporarily align the pins in a substantially parallel configuration for insertion thereof into a wall or other surface.

Abstract: A sliding sunroof assembly for a vehicle and a latching mechanism for such a sunroof assembly are disclosed.A gear shaft has two drive gears disposed on opposite ends thereof which ride on gear guides on tracks, the gear guides having serrations formed thereon to engage teeth of the drive gears. A lock gear is provided centrally on the gear shaft, and one or more engaging members are normally biased into engagement with the lock gear to prevent rotation of the shaft. Movement of a handle disengages the engaging member or members from the lock gear, allowing the gear shaft to spin and allowing slidable movement of a sunroof panel. The latching mechanism enables the sunroof assembly to be latched in a plurality of positions between a fully closed portion and a fully open position.