Abstract: A sensor assembly (14) for sensing an impact to a vehicle (10) includes a light source (34) for emitting light and a sensing channel (40) for receiving the emitted light. The sensing channel (40) is configured to deform in response to an impact to the vehicle (10) and includes at least one void (70) with dimensions that vary in response to deformation of the sensing channel (40). A detector (36) senses an intensity of the light propagating through the sensing channel (40) and provides a signal indicative of the sensed intensity. The sensed intensity varies as a function of the dimensions of the at least one void (70). The sensor assembly (14) also includes a controller (94) for analyzing the signal from the detector (36) to determine whether the sensing channel (40) has been deformed and thereby, whether an impact to the vehicle (10) has occurred.

Abstract: A current sensing arrangement (10) includes a Hall effect sensor (16). A current-carrying line (14) of the arrangement (10) encircles the Hall effect sensor (16). A ferromagnetic sheet material (32) of the arrangement (10) covers a portion of the current-carrying line (14) and a portion of the Hall effect sensor (16).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight sensing apparatus (10) for a vehicle seat (22). The weight sensing apparatus (10) includes a differential capacitor (150) including a first capacitor (152) and a second capacitor (176). The first capacitor (152) includes first and second opposed plate assemblies (154 and 156). The second capacitor (179) includes a third plate assembly (180) and the second plate assembly (156). Each plate assembly (154, 156, and 180) includes a plurality of electrically conductive elongated members that extend in an axial direction. The second plate assembly (156) is interposed between the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) and is movable in an axial direction relative to the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) in response to a load being applied to a vehicle seat. A source of alternating current supplies electrical energy to the differential capacitor (150) and an output circuit is electrically connected with the differential capacitor (150).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) has a vehicle seat frame (30), a weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22), and a vehicle occupant protection device (102) responsive to the weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22). The seat frame (30) has a bottom portion (32) and a back portion (34) which together bear a vehicle occupant weight load. A deflectable seat cushion (38) covers the bottom portion (32) of the frame (30). The weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22) measures the entire magnitude of the vehicle occupant weight load acting on the frame (30) independently of deflection of the cushion (38).

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for fluid levels comprises a carrier having spaed-apart legs with registering openings adapted to receive a piezoelectric transmitter and a piezoelectric receiver in the openings. The piezoelectric members are separated by the spaced legs of a ground plane engaging plates of the piezoelectric members. Resilient members in the form of coiled conductors are entrained between a snap-on cover and the transducers so as to resiliently engage the piezoelectric members against the ground plane. The conductors are coupled by crimp connectors to the leads of a cable carried by an elongated channel portion of the carrier. The crimp conenctors are caried in recessed portions of the carrier, and the carrier is over-molded to encase the connectors and the cable. The cable is in turn coupled to an electronic control module positioned remotely from the fluid sump and connected to a warning device.