Abstract: A network management system includes network stations each having a power source and a power switch to turn the power source on and off, a network management station to monitor the network stations, and a communication network enabling connections between the network stations and the network management station. When turned off by the power switch, the network station enables communication with the network management station and then sends an event to notify the power-off state thereto. This enables the network management system to display whether the communication failure is caused by a network failure or the power-off of the network station.

Abstract: In a ring LAN system having a configuration control unit serially connected to a dual ring transmission line, the configuration control unit is provided with a transmission line reconfiguration control mechanism to disconnect a fault point upon detection of a transmission fault, such as a breaking of one of a twisted pair of cables, and after recovery of the fault, reconnect the disconnected point to restore the transmission line to its original state. The reconfiguration control mechanism suspends reconfiguration control if a reconfiguration operation counter counts more than a predetermined number of reconfiguration operations within a predetermined time period measured by a reconfiguration operation monitor timer, such as when a temporary fault occurs intermittently.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a rear header disposed at a rear end of the roof and above a rear seat. For example, in the event where the automotive vehicle is about to roll, the seat back of the rear seat is leaned forwards and the upper end portion of the seat back is leaned forwards, thereby forcibly repositioning the head of the rear passenger seated on the rear seat to the position remoter from the back window panel.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an instrument panel provided with an opening in the vicinity of a passenger's seat. An air bag unit is disposed in the opening and provided with an air bag and a casing for receiving the air bag, and a lid device is disposed at a rear end of the casing for covering the opening. At least a pair of belt members, spaced transversely and in a mirror image relationship with regard to a vertical center line for connecting the lid device with the instrument panel, are provided. One end of the belt member is mounted on the lid device at a position offset from a transverse center line of the lid device. When the air bag inflated, the lid device is swung about a transverse axis so as to be opened smoothly.

Abstract: A structural arrangement for supporting a steering device comprises a steering column into which a steering shaft coupled at one end thereof with a steering wheel is inserted to be rotatable, a steering bracket having one end portion thereof fixed to an upper dash panel which forms at least a portion of a cowl box disposed to elongate in the direction of the width of a body at a front portion of a cabin formed in the body and the other end portion thereof coupled with the steering column, a steering column supporting member fixed to the body with a portion thereof elongating in the direction of the width of the body for supporting the end portion of the steering bracket, and a link member having one end portion thereof supporting the steering column and the other end portion thereof connected to the steering bracket.