Abstract: An occupant sensing apparatus for a vehicle passenger compartment includes a laser line scanning unit. A line of IR light produced by a laser line generator is mechanically scanned over a region including a vehicle seat and a restraint deployment location. The reflected IR light is received by a solid-state imager, and a digital signal processor constructs a 3-D profile of the scanned region. The 3-D profile is used to detect and characterize a seat occupant or other object in the viewing region and to determine the proximity of an object to an inflatable restraint.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A cargo sensing apparatus for a cargo container such as a semi-trailer includes a laser line scanning unit. In a preferred embodiment, first and second laser line generators are mechanically scanned in synchronism with a solid-state imager to identify and map the contents of the cargo container. The map is analyzed to detect cargo items stored in the container, and the cargo status is reported to a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical needles used in connection with guide wires. A needle of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical tube formed along a central longitudinal axis. A tapered tube is connected to one end of the tube and has a sharpened end. A channel extends through the cylindrical tube and the tapered tube, and is aligned with the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the tapered portion is radially expandable. For instance, radial expansion may result when a guide wire is selectively inserted through the channel. The radial expansion may be facilitated by a relief on the tapered tube portion. Optionally, the relief includes a plurality of slots which expand as a guide wire is inserted through the channel and tapered portion, thereby also causing the internal and outer diameters of the tapered portion to expand.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger detection apparatus includes passive RF seat force sensors at each seating location and a single-point electronic control unit (ECU) for wirelessly acquiring passenger-related data from each of the sensors. A sensor-loaded surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is installed in each seating location of the vehicle, and the ECU successively interrogates the SAW devices to determine passenger presence for each of the seating locations. The SAW devices have distinguishable fundamental resonance frequencies for differentiation among the seating locations. A fluid-filled elastomeric bladder is installed in the seat bottom of each seating location, and a pelletized sensor including a capacitive pressure sensor and a SAW device is disposed in each bladder. The pressure sensor capacitively loads the respective SAW device so that when interrogated by the ECU, the SAW device emits an RF response indicative of the fluid pressure in the bladder.

Abstract: A synchronous demodulation circuit uses a digitally controlled track-and-hold circuit to capture the peak amplitude of a rectified signal. A microcontroller controls the track-and-hold circuit. In particular, the microcontroller controls a hold mode of the track-and-hold circuit to capture the peak amplitude of the rectified signal.

Abstract: The capacitance of a shielded capacitive load cell is determined so as to minimize the effect of stray or parasitic capacitance between the load cell and other objects including the shield. The load cell conductors are coupled across input and output terminals of an operational amplifier that is tied to a reference voltage. A constant current is applied to the load cell, and the resulting rate of change in voltage at the amplifier output is measured as a representation of the load cell capacitance. In a vehicle seat sensor application including an electromagnetic interference shield between the load cell and the seating surface, the amplifier output is coupled to the load cell electrode furthest from the shield, the amplifier maintains the other load cell electrode at a virtual reference voltage, and the shield is tied to the reference voltage.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing system includes an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver, a processor and a memory subsystem. The transmitter is positioned to transmit an ultrasonic signal into a predetermined volume. The receiver is positioned to receive a composite signal from the predetermined volume. The processor is coupled to the transmitter, the receiver and the memory subsystem. The memory subsystem stores code that when executed by the processor instructs the processor to perform a number of steps to determine whether an occupant is present in the predetermined volume and whether the detected occupant has a respiration rate.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for a rotary steerable tool is disclosed for directing flow of an abrasive laden drilling fluid; the valve assembly has a first sealing surface rotatably engaging a second sealing surface. At least one of the surfaces has at least about 5% of its area comprising interconnecting voids to an average depth of at least 0.02 mm. The interconnected voids allow fluid pressure to equalize between the sealing faces by flowing through the interconnecting voids to the sealing surfaces. Because the fit of the sealing surfaces of the valve is less than perfect, and because the voids on mating surfaces do not necessarily overlap, the 5% of the surface area comprising interconnected voids can easily translate to a 10% or more reduction in sealed area when both sealing surfaces have the interconnecting voids. The additional reduction in surface area subjected to differential pressure has substantially eliminated the hydraulic lock problem previously encountered upon startup.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object proximity sensor system and method to determine the distance between a vehicle occupant and the system. Once determined, the distance is used in determining whether to enable or disable an air bag in the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the object proximity sensor system includes a light transmitter capable of emitting light beams that illuminate a predefined area and are capable of reflecting off an object positioned in the predefined area, a light receiver capable of detecting the reflected light beams and including an imaging sensor capable of acquiring an image of the object in the illuminated predefined area and capable of distinguishing a plurality of imaged spots in the image, and a microcontroller coupled to the light receiver and operable to determine diameters of the imaged spots. The microcontroller then uses the diameters of the spots to determine the object's distance from the light transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: A snatch connector is provided with a disconnection lanyard assembly including a tensioner assembly including a spreader bar, cables, and a cable reel. The reel may be set to allow paying out of the cable or to pull in the cable and when set to pull in, will resist paying out of the cable, thereby providing a tensile force for snatch disconnection.

Abstract: A method for forming a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material to a depth from the working surface, the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material, causing a 950 degrees C. temperature at the working surface to be less than 750 degrees C. at the depth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: A fluid-filled seat bladder assembly includes multiple capacitive sensing elements for detecting variation in bladder deformation due to occupant weight. The bladder is defined by upper and lower elastomeric sheets that are peripherally sealed by welding, and the capacitive sensors are defined by metalized films adjoining the upper and lower elastomeric sheets. The bladder fluid separating the upper and lower metalized films acts as a dielectric material, and the capacitance or electric field coupling of each sensor increases when the separation between the respective upper and lower films decreases due occupant seat weight. The cumulative change in capacitance or electric field coupling reflects the total seated weight, and the individual capacitance or electric field coupling changes provide a profile of the pressure distribution across the seat for improved occupant classification.

Abstract: A universal, compartment-wide system identifies the presence and position of occupants of a multi-place vehicle by utilizing the occupants to conduct and radiate place-specific radio frequency signals that are received at various locations in the passenger compartment. The place-specific radio frequency signals are developed by low power transmitters disposed in the various seat/place locations, and a receiver disposed at a central location that is remote from the transmitters receives and decodes the signals radiated by the occupants to determine the number and location of the occupants. Additional receivers may be installed in specified regions to detect occupant intrusion into such regions, and in various control panels to assess driver distraction and to tailor the functional content and capability depending on whether a driver or non-driver is interacting with the control panel.

Abstract: Griffin, Nigel, et al78.1081-1.3-29 Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: A method of launching a missile in a given direction is described comprising the steps of: i) storing a missile in a housing ii) ejecting the missile from the housing while imparting a tumbling motion to the missile, the direction of tumble being selected to decrease the angle between the longitudinal axis of the missile and the given direction and iii) firing the missile and steering it to the given direction. By such a method a missile launcher is provided which is capable of firing a missile at any azimuth angle of between 0 and 360°, within 0.1 second of receiving a signal to launch. The missile may be launched by a single ejector piston at the base of the missile acting in a direction off-set from the longitudinal axis of the missile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.