Abstract: A method for discriminating input to a sensing algorithm used with an occupancy classification system includes generating a series of sensor signals from a sensor array. The method further includes generating a sensor signal from a belt tension sensor and generating a pattern recognition algorithm as a function of: the series of sensor signals from the sensor array and the sensor signal from the belt tension sensor.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: A haptic seat and system for use in imparting sensations to an occupant thereof. The haptic seat may be used to alert passengers of various operating conditions with some sort of tactile sensation, such as a vibration, pulse, shake, or other inducement that involves the occupant's sense of touch.

Abstract: An actuator for a latch assembly for securing a latched member that is linked to a trigger. The trigger may be a shape memory alloy actuating element that is actuated in response to receiving an electrical signal. The trigger may be mechanically reset to a locked state by the latched member. A method of operating the latch is also disclosed wherein the trigger is actuated in response to an electrical signal resulting in a force being applied in a first direction to a cable that connects the trigger to release the latch. The trigger is reset by exerting mechanical force on the trigger in the opposite direction. The latch system may be applied to a vehicle seat having a seat back that pivots relative to a seat base to allow the seat back to pivot over the seat base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat sensing system is provided for detecting a presence of an unrestrained vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat cushion. A plurality of sensor assemblies are in spaced relation to one another and disposed adjacent a lower surface of said vehicle seat cushion. Each of the plurality of sensor assemblies variably sense a displacement of the vehicle seat cushion. A summing circuit disposed in proximity to the plurality of sensor assemblies is provided for summing sensed signals from the plurality of sensor assemblies. The summing circuit provides a summed output signal indicative of a presence of a vehicle occupant. The summed output signal is output exterior of the vehicle seat for determining whether the vehicle occupant is seated on the vehicle seat cushion.

Abstract: An indication system (10) for a vehicle (11) includes a radio frequency circuit (12) with a transponder (84) and an in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). The transponder (84) transmits a status request signal. A first radio frequency identification tag (84) is coupled to the in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). The tag (84) inductively generates a current status signal associated with the in-vehicle element (18) and in response to the status request signal. A method of tracking, identifying, and determining the presence and status of an in-vehicle RF tagged element (18) includes transmitting a status request signal. The status request signal is inductively received via multiple radio frequency identification tags (84, 86) that are associated with the in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). A current status signal is transmitted from the radio frequency identification tags (84, 86). An in-vehicle task is performed in response to the current status signal.

Abstract: A DC motor circuit is provided for an automobile accessory that includes biplolar input lines for driving an accessory motor. A bridge rectifier coupled to the bipolar input lines generates a unipolar output. A transient voltage suppressor is connected in parallel with the bridge rectifier. A voltage regulator is coupled to the unipolar output for generating a regulated DC voltage. A position encoder is powered by the regulated DC voltage.

Abstract: A method and system for alerting a hazard. The method and system including generating a warning signal for alerting the hazard and communicating the warning signal to oncoming vehicles through vehicle to vehicle communications.

Abstract: A method for discriminating input to a sensing algorithm used with an occupancy classification system includes generating a series of sensor signals from a sensor array. The method further includes generating a sensor signal from a belt tension sensor and generating a pattern recognition algorithm as a function of: the series of sensor signals from the sensor array and the sensor signal from the belt tension sensor.

Abstract: A rotary adjuster, such as for a vehicle seat having a seat back rotable relative to a seat bottom, includes a first member defining first and second cam surfaces. A second member is rotatably mounted relative to the first member about an axis. The second member defines third and fourth cam surfaces. The third cam surface faces the first cam surface and defines a first gap therebetween. The fourth cam surface faces the second cam surface and defines a second gap therebetween. A first wedge element is disposed in the first gap so as be selectively movable between a wedged position engaging the first and third cam surfaces to prevent rotation of the second member relative to the first member in a first rotational direction, and a free position permitting movement of the second member relative to the first member.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: A folding system for a vehicle seat is disclosed that includes a Rf transmitter that is associated with the seat and a receiver that polls a portable transmitter/receiver whenever it is within a targeted zone near the rear door, right side door, or left side door. Weight sensing sensor arrays in the folding seat are used to prevent folding the seat when a foreign object is disposed in the seat. A Rf receiver may be provided either as part of the vehicle seat or the Rf receiver of a remote keyless entry system can be used that communicates with the seat through a vehicle bus.

Abstract: A stall protection circuit is provided for bidirectional motor operation that is controlled by a half bridge switch that has forward, reverse and off positions. A method of protecting a motor is also disclosed. A Hall effect current sensor may be provided in a stall current protection circuit that engages a latching circuit. The latching circuit is operative to interrupt current flowing to the motor by disabling MOSFETs on opposite sides of the motor. Alternatively, FET voltage from drain to source may be used to measure the current supplied to the motor that is used to engage the latching circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system that includes at least one sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a base and an upper slide member slidably attached to the base for movement toward and away from the base. The base and the upper slide member cooperate to define an interior cavity of the sensor assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one sensor operatively disposed within the interior cavity of the sensor assembly. The sensor is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. The vehicle occupant sensing system further includes at least one contamination barrier member at least partially encapsulating the upper slide member and the base so as to decrease contamination of the interior cavity of the sensor assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for a vehicle seat assembly that includes at least one emitter and at least one sensor operable to detect relative distance between the sensor and the emitter to thereby detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes a biasing pad adapted so as to be disposed below a seat cushion of the vehicle seat assembly so as to deflect in response to deflection of the seat cushion. The biasing pad supports at least one of the emitter and the sensor such that the emitter and the sensor are biased away from each other and such that one of the emitter and the sensor are supported for movement toward and away from the other.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system that includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a housing that includes a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is moveable toward and away from the base. A sensor is operatively fixed relative to at least one of the upper slide member and the base and is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes a variable biasing member adapted to bias the upper slide member away from the base with a force that is non-linearly related to movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. The vehicle occupant sensing system of the present invention may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly to detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A method of tuning the output of a sensor array for a vehicle seat occupancy sensing system that is used with a neural net for occupancy classification. The method includes the step of pressing a series of seat cushion body pressure distribution forms in a series of predetermined seating positions into a particular vehicle seat to produce a series of representative sensor response patterns from the sensor array. The method also includes the steps of comparing each sensor response pattern through the neural net and determining if any of the determined sensor patterns are indistinguishable, and then determining which sensors were deflected and the amount of deflection in those sensors for the indistinguishable sensor response patterns. The method steps further include adjusting the biasing of said sensors to cause said indistinguishable patterns to diverge and be distinguishable by the neural net and repeating the above steps until the senor response patterns are distinguishable from one another.

Abstract: A method of recognizing and classifying the occupancy in a vehicle seat having an occupancy sensing system, including the steps of sensing the output of an array of sensors that detect a physical presence in a seat and applying the sensor array output as a vector representation to a neural net that was trained using a learning vector quantization algorithm. The method also includes the step of recognizing the sensor array output as falling within one of a group of predetermined classification patterns that represent a physical presence in the seat defined by size, weight, and physical orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing a sensor array that is incorporated into a vehicle seat. The method includes the steps of placing a seat pan and cushion assembly having a seat trim cover and a sensor array into a seat build fixture and electrically connecting the sensor array to an electrical testing device capable of determining the actuation of the sensors in the sensor array. The method further includes the steps of determining if the sensors are at a predetermined unloaded output value, activating the seat build fixture to apply compression force to the seat pan and cushion assembly, and determining if the sensors have changed output values where the change corresponds to a predetermined amount. The method also includes the steps of mounting the seat trim cover to the bottom of the seat pan in a predetermined manner to form a completed lower seat assembly and de-activating the seat build fixture to release compression force from the completed lower seat assembly.