Abstract: A weight sensing pad for controlling activation of an automobile airbag, the weight sensing pad comprising a bladder member having an interior volume defined by first and second sheets perimetrically bonded together, wherein the interior volume of the bladder member is subdivided into a plurality of cells by a plurality of small, substantially circular welds between the first and second sheets, the plurality of cells being in fluid communication with each other; and a fluid contained within the interior volume of the bladder member, whereby the automobile airbag is activated upon a change in pressure caused by displacement of a volume of the fluid in the interior volume of the bladder.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an occupant in a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The apparatus uses sensors to measure seat deflection to determine the presence, weight, and seated location of the occupant. The sensors are connected to a processor which controls air bag deployment. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses sensors that transfer linear movement to the processor. In another embodiment, the apparatus uses sensors that transfer linear to rotational movement of seat deflection to the processor.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for providing a visual indication of severe vehicular deceleration to the driver of a following vehicle. The deceleration warning device independently detects severe deceleration through an onboard accelerometer and is installed by securing the device to an existing OEM brake light/taillight fitting of a vehicle. The deceleration warning device is installed in the vacancy of a taillight lamp, and includes an illumination element that serves as a taillight, a brake light, and a severe deceleration indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus positions an ink jet printhead relative to a print medium onto which the printhead jets ink. A conduit is attached to the printhead and has an opening disposed in opposition to the print medium. An air-moving device moves air through the conduit. A pressure-sensing device senses pressure within the conduit. A gap-adjusting assembly moves the printhead and/or the print medium dependent upon the pressure sensed by the pressure-sensing device.

Abstract: A device for reducing the resonant vibrations of a helical valve spring of an internal combustion engine includes a member, such as a tension cable, attached between one end of the spring and a coil mid-section of the spring for limiting the movement of the coil mid-section away from the one end of the spring to about the distance between the coil mid-section and the one end of the spring when the spring is in a condition corresponding with a condition at which the spring is in static equilibrium.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for providing a visual indication of severe vehicular deceleration to the driver of a following vehicle. The deceleration warning device independently detects severe deceleration through an onboard accelerometer and is installed by securing the device to an existing OEM brake light/taillight fitting of a vehicle. The deceleration warning device is installed in the vacancy of a taillight lamp, and includes an illumination element that serves as a taillight, a brake light, and a severe deceleration indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus positions an ink jet printhead relative to a print medium onto which the printhead jets ink. A conduit is attached to the printhead and has an opening disposed in opposition to the print medium. An air-moving device moves air through the conduit. A pressure-sensing device senses pressure within the conduit. A gap-adjusting assembly moves the printhead and/or the print medium dependent upon the pressure sensed by the pressure-sensing device.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A device for reducing the resonant vibrations of a helical valve spring of an internal combustion engine includes a member, such as a tension cable, attached between one end of the spring and a coil mid-section of the spring for limiting the movement of the coil mid-section away from the one end of the spring to about the distance between the coil mid-section and the one end of the spring when the spring is in a condition corresponding with a condition at which the spring is in static equilibrium.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic antilock brake system which comprises an electromagnetically actuated release arm capable of adjusting the position of a cam or other motion linkage to result in a controlled application of brake shoes to a brake drum. The invention further comprises a control system for controlling the actuation and release of the ABS.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine with an outer ring member which is connectable to the crankshaft for receiving rotating torque therefrom and a hub which is connectable to the camshaft for transmitting torque from the outer ring member utilizes at least one elongated, centrifugally-responsive lever member which is pivotally connected to the ring member for pivotal movement relative thereto between radially inwardmost positions and radially outwardmost positions. Moreover, each lever member is connected to the hub so that movement of the lever member between the radially inwardmost and outwardmost positions effects a rotational shift of the hub relative to the outer ring member about the axis of rotation which alters the phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft driven thereby.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A ski-type exercise or therapy apparatus for use with liquid contained within a pool having walls utilizes a frame positionable in a stationary condition with respect to the walls of the pool and a pair of pump assemblies wherein each pump assembly includes a piston and a cylinder within which the piston is slidably received for movement therealong in conjunction with the movement of a corresponding foot of an individual between two positions of movement. A port provides flow communication between the interiors of the cylinders so that as the piston is moved along the cylinder in conjunction with the motions of the individual's foot during an exercise or therapy routine, liquid flows between the interiors of the cylinders by way of the port. By controlling the flow of liquid between the interiors of the cylinders by way of the ports, the motions of the individual's feet during the exercise or therapy routine can be controlled.

Abstract: A ski-type exercise or therapy apparatus for use with liquid contained within a pool having walls utilizes a frame positionable in a stationary condition with respect to the walls of the pool and a pair of pump assemblies wherein each pump assembly includes a piston and a cylinder within which the piston is slidably received for movement therealong in conjunction with the movement of a corresponding foot of an individual between two positions of movement. A port provides flow communication between the interiors of the cylinders so that as the piston is moved along the cylinder in conjunction with the motions of the individual's foot during an exercise or therapy routine, liquid flows between the interiors of the cylinders by way of the port. By controlling the flow of liquid between the interiors of the cylinders by way of the ports, the emotions of the individual's feet during the exercise or therapy routine can be controlled.

Abstract: An exercise or therapy apparatus for use in a pool of water utilizes a stationary frame and an impeller section including a user-operable impeller wheel rotatably attached to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation. Pedals are connected to the impeller wheel enabling the turbine wheel to rotate about its axis of rotation in conjunction with the movement of the user's feet as a cycle-type exercise or therapy device. The impeller section includes an inlet positionable within the water of the pool, and the impeller wheel is adapted to draw a stream of water into the inlet of the impeller wheel as the impeller wheel is rotated about its axis of rotation. A valve is associated with the impeller section for controlling the quantity of the stream of water which is permitted to flow into the impeller section by way of the inlet when the impeller wheel is rotated to thereby alter the resistance to the rotation of the impeller wheel.

Abstract: A system for absorbing bending vibration in a shaft which is drivingly rotated about an axis and wherein the shaft is exposed to bending disturbances utilizes a body attachable to the shaft for rotating therewith as the shaft rotates about its axis of rotation and round roller elements positioned within the cavities disposed in the body. During operation of the system, the bending disturbances induce pendulum-like motion of the roller elements within the cavities in a manner which absorbs bending vibration of the shaft. The roller elements, the cavities and the bending disturbances are related to one another in accordance with an equation which optimizes performance of the system and circumvents time-consuming trial and error techniques during design of the system. In the event that the cavities have spherical walls and the roller elements are spherical in form, the system is capable of absorbing torsional, as well as bending, vibrations in a rotating shaft.