Abstract: In an air bag device (1) for a vehicle having an ignition switch (7) operatively connected to an electric power source (1a), an air bag trigger circuit, (5) comprising an impact sensing circuit (3) including an impact sensor (10a, 10b) and an air bag inflation squib (4) connected in series to the sensing circuit (3), is substantially directly connected to the power source (1a).

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed, in which elastic contact and electric connection between first contacts supported in a first contact body and second contacts supported in a second connector body is obtained when the second connector body is inserted into the first connector body through an opening. Automatic lock means is provided which automatically locks the second connector body to the first connector body when the former is correctly inserted into the latter. The first connector body has one surface formed with a complementary recess and an aperture extending from the bottom of the recess to reach the opening. A lock piece integral with the first connector body can be turned to be received in the complementary recess. The lock piece has an integral engagement ridge.

Abstract: A triggering device and a method of operation which may be used in a vehicle-mounted gas bag protection device, in which a bag fills with gas upon impact of the vehicle. During normal conditions, a small current passes through a detonator associated with the gas generator. This current is supplied by an auxiliary power supply, including a capacitor, which is charged through a diode from a main vehicle battery. When impact occurs, an increased current flows through the detonator to cause gas to be generated. To detect malfunctions, a voltage associated with the detonator is monitored and then alarm is generated when the monitor voltage exceeds a predetermined range. To prevent the generation of false malfunction alarms, the predetermined range is determined with respect to the voltage produced by the auxiliary power supply and not the main battery of the vehicle so that fluctuations in the voltage associated with the main battery of the vehicle do not produce false alarms.

Abstract: When a socket connector is inserted into an opening of a pin connector, a pin contact of the pin connector makes resilient contact with a socket contact of the socket connector to establish electrical connection therebetween. The pin connector has integrally therewith a connector locking member which is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the socket connector into the pin connector. The connector locking member has formed integrally therewith an engaging projecting which abuts against the rear end face of the socket connector when the connector locking member is turned for locking.