Abstract: A charge detection device includes a dielectric member, a base plate coupled to the dielectric member, and a processing unit coupled to the plate. The dielectric member is representative of at least one material on a location of a vessel and the dielectric member induces an electrostatic potential energy when charged. The plate channels the induced energy through at least a portion of the device. The plate further receives at least one signal that is representative of an electrostatic discharge from a different location of the vessel. The processing unit generates at least one first output of a measurement for the induced energy. The processing unit further generates at least one second output of the presence of the electrostatic discharge to facilitate a correlation between the first and second outputs such that a user is enabled to determine the presence of at least one hazardous charging condition on the vessel.

Abstract: A charge detection device includes a dielectric member, a base plate coupled to the dielectric member, and a processing unit coupled to the plate. The dielectric member is representative of at least one material on a location of a vessel and the dielectric member induces an electrostatic potential energy when charged. The plate channels the induced energy through at least a portion of the device. The plate further receives at least one signal that is representative of an electrostatic discharge from a different location of the vessel. The processing unit generates at least one first output of a measurement for the induced energy. The processing unit further generates at least one second output of the presence of the electrostatic discharge to facilitate a correlation between the first and second outputs such that a user is enabled to determine the presence of at least one hazardous charging condition on the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus (47) determines presence, type, and a size value of a vehicle occupant (14) located within a vehicle (12). A first capacitive sensor (46A) is located on a first side of an occupant location within the vehicle (12) and senses a first capacitance value. An associated drive/monitor circuit (42A) provides a first signal (44A) indicative of the first capacitance value. A controller (27) determines from the first signal (44A) whether the first capacitance value is indicative of an occupant located proximate to the first capacitive sensor (46A). The controller (27) determines a first distance between the first capacitive sensor (46A) and the occupant (14) using the first signal (44A). A second capacitive sensor (46C) is located on a second side of the occupant location and senses a second capacitance value. An associated drive/monitor circuit (42C) provides a second signal (44C) indicative of the second capacitance value.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor system (10) includes two seats (16, 18) each having its own integrated seat belt webbing retractor (60, 112). Each retractor (60, 112) includes a locking assembly (76, 80) for blocking belt withdrawal in response to an electrical signal. At a central location in the vehicle spaced from the seats (16, 18), a sensor (24) is disposed for sensing vehicle deceleration exceeding a predetermined deceleration and for providing a control signal indicative thereof. An RF transmitter (42) is electrically connected with the sensor (24) and is actuatable in response to the control signal to transmit an RF signal. An RF receiver (100, 114) on each vehicle seat (16, 18) receives the RF signal and provides an output signal to actuate the locking assembly (76, 80) of the two seat belt retractors (60, 112).