Abstract: A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.

Abstract: A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.

Abstract: Dedicated memory locations for vehicle identification data and seat calibration data are provided in a first rewritable, non-volatile memory within an occupant detection system module and a second rewritable, non-volatile memory external to the occupant detection system. At least once each ignition cycle, preferably at power up, an algorithm responsive to vehicle identification data obtained from the vehicle, stored in the first rewritable, non-volatile memory and/or stored in the second rewritable, non-volatile memory, as well as the presence of seat calibration data in the first rewritable, non-volatile memory, controls the copying of seat calibration data and/or vehicle identification data between the first and second rewritable, non-volatile memories to preserve seat calibration data for a vehicle through replacement of the occupant detection system module or the entire occupant detection system.

Abstract: Dedicated memory locations for vehicle identification data and seat calibration data are provided in a first rewritable, non-volatile memory within an occupant detection system module and a second rewritable, non-volatile memory external to the occupant detection system. At least once each ignition cycle, preferably at power up, an algorithm responsive to vehicle identification data obtained from the vehicle, stored in the first rewritable, non-volatile memory and/or stored in the second rewritable, non-volatile memory, as well as the presence of seat calibration data in the first rewritable, non-volatile memory, controls the copying of seat calibration data and/or vehicle identification data between the first and second rewritable, non-volatile memories to preserve seat calibration data for a vehicle through replacement of the occupant detection system module or the entire occupant detection system.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a security feature that protects against theft of compact discs (“CDs”) left in a compact disc player in a vehicle is implemented in a conventional compact disc player that has a CD insertion/ejection servo mechanism, a controller that controls the compact disc player including the insertion/ejection servo mechanism, and an eject switch coupled to the controller. The controller is configured so that it knows the state of the ignition switch, typically from a signal or data from a controller in the vehicle, such as a body controller, engine controller or transmission controller. The controller senses whether the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on. Each time that the controller senses that the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on, the controller transitions between a security off state and a security on state.

Abstract: A system for shielding electromagnetic waves, slowing radiant heat transfer, and attenuating mechanical noise emitted from within an engine compartment and a grommet for establishing an electrically conductive path from a hoodliner's conducting layer to ground. Provided in the present system is a hoodliner that has an electrically conducting material layer for shielding electromagnetic waves, and a fibrous material layer attached to the conducting material for slowing radiant heat transfer and attenuating mechanical noise emitted from the engine compartment.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a joystick wherein a ball having a spherical portion and a frustoconical portion is mounted in a cylindrical socket within a housing. A cap having a frustoconical surface complementing the frustoconical surface of the ball is mounted on the housing. An O-ring engages the spherical surface of the ball and urges the frustoconical surfaces into engagement. When the joystick is tilted relatively far, the spherical surface of the ball engages the frustoconical surface of the cap and retains the joystick in its tilted position; however, when the joystick is in a near-center position and is released, the frustoconical surfaces on the ball and on the cap are in engagement and cause the ball to snap back to the center position. This provides tactile feedback centering for the joystick.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a first plate which is welded to the underside of a trough which channels fluid around the trunk opening of an automotive vehicle. The first plate includes two pockets and two extensions. A second plate, having two blades, is securable to the first plate by inserting the blades into the pockets and screwing the second plate to the first plate at the extensions thereof. Because the extensions extend out beyond the trough, the second plate is secured to the trough without altering the trough. An electrical unit depends from the second plate using two L-shaped brackets which lock to the second plate. The first plate takes up little space when the electrical unit and the second plate are removed therefrom.

Abstract: Operation of a pair of switches mounted on a circuit board is effected by a rocker-type actuator mounted in an escutcheon plate of a control panel spaced a substantial distance from the circuit board. Elongated compressible plungers linking the actuator to the switches and associated operating structure are used to change rocking motion of the actuators about a rocking axis into a linkage type motion of the plungers for activating the switches mounted on the circuit board.