Abstract: A control system with multiple brake-pedal selected disengagement-modes for an automated vehicle includes a brake-pedal and a controller. The brake-pedal is used to detect a plurality of pedal-action-classifications based on one of pedal-force, depression-duration, and a combination of pedal-force and depression-duration. The controller is in communication with the brake-pedal. The controller operates the system into a first-mode in response to the brake-pedal being operated in accordance with a first-action-classification, and into a second-mode in response to the brake-pedal being operated in accordance with a second-action-classification different from the first-action-classification.

Abstract: A control system with multiple brake-pedal selected disengagement-modes for an automated vehicle includes a brake-pedal and a controller. The brake-pedal is used to detect a plurality of pedal-action-classifications based on one of pedal-force, depression-duration, and a combination of pedal-force and depression-duration. The controller is in communication with the brake-pedal. The controller operates the system into a first-mode in response to the brake-pedal being operated in accordance with a first-action-classification, and into a second-mode in response to the brake-pedal being operated in accordance with a second-action-classification different from the first-action-classification.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor, comprising: a take-up spool configured to rotate in a winding direction and an unwinding direction; a motor for providing a driving force in a first direction and a second direction to the take-up spool, wherein the take-up spool rotates in the winding direction when the driving force is provided in the first direction; a mechanism coupled to a shaft of the motor, the mechanism being configured to rotate freely in the first direction and rotate in the second direction when either i) a predetermined force is applied to the take-up spool in the unwinding direction during or after application of the driving force in the first direction or ii) the motor applies the driving force in the second direction in order to overcome a predetermined resistance of the mechanism; and a locking retractor configured to prevent the take-up spool from rotating in the unwinding direction when the predetermined force is applied to the take-up spool in the unwinding direction during or after applicat

Abstract: An anchor for securing seat belt component to a vehicle includes a latch member for securing a tongue portion of the component within a housing. The latch member is movable between a first position wherein a protrusion on the latch member engages the tongue and a second position wherein the protrusion is displaced for releasing the tongue. A biasing member provides a biasing force to maintain the latch in the first position. The housing includes a latch-access area for allowing the latch member to be engaged for manually forcing the latch member to the second position to allow the tongue portion to be removed, so that the anchor does not have a release button.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor having first and second serially arranged torsion bars and a switching mechanism provides two levels of load limiting. A bridge bolt rotationally fixed to the inboard ends of the torsion bars is threaded into a locking base, and the switching mechanism prevents bridge bolt translation relative to the locking base in a default condition to limit seat belt load with the first torsion bar. Activation of the switching mechanism permits limited translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base to limit seat belt load with the second torsion bar. Additional translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base is prevented to re-establish load limiting with the first torsion bar. The switching mechanism includes a set of detent wedges, a retaining band and an electrically activated cutting mechanism, all disposed within the retractor frame.

Abstract: A tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle is provided. The tension sensing assembly comprises an anchor, a movable mechanism configured to be secured to a portion of a buckle, at least one magnet coupled to the movable mechanism, a Hall effect sensor coupled to the anchor, at least one tension spring secured to the anchor at a first end and the movable mechanism at a second end. The movable mechanism moves the at least one magnet relative to the Hall effect sensor to induce an output from the Hall effect sensor. The output indicates a tension level being applied to the tension sensing assembly.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor having first and second serially arranged torsion bars and a switching mechanism provides two levels of load limiting. A bridge bolt rotationally fixed to the inboard ends of the torsion bars is threaded into a locking base, and the switching mechanism prevents bridge bolt translation relative to the locking base in a default condition to limit seat belt load with the first torsion bar. Activation of the switching mechanism permits limited translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base to limit seat belt load with the second torsion bar. Additional translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base is prevented to re-establish load limiting with the first torsion bar. The switching mechanism includes a set of detent wedges, a retaining band and an electrically activated cutting mechanism, all disposed within the retractor frame.

Abstract: A seat belt device for adjusting the tension of a seat belt webbing drawn across a user's body when the seat belt is in a latched condition, the seat belt device comprising: a housing defining a receiving area configured to slidably receive the seat belt webbing therethrough; a clamp member slidably mounted to the housing, the clamp member being configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein a clamping surface of the clamp member urges a portion of the seat belt webbing against an engagement portion of the housing when the clamp member is in the first position, the engagement portion being included in the receiving area; and a biasing member being configured to urge the clamp surface toward the engagement portion.

Abstract: A tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a rigid frame of a seat restraint buckle of the seat restraint system. The tension sensing assembly also includes a movable member operatively supported by the rigid frame and adapted to be connected to vehicle structure. The movable member is movable relative to the rigid frame. The tension sensing assembly includes a strain member operatively supported by the moveable member and the rigid frame. The tension sensing assembly further includes a strain gage sensor operatively supported by the strain member to indicate a tension level in the seat restraint system when the strain member is displaced by the movable member.

Abstract: A tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes at least one anchor for operative connection to vehicle structure. The tension sensing assembly also includes a movable mechanism for operative connection to a buckle assembly of the seat restraint system. The tension sensing assembly includes at least one magnet operatively supported by the movable mechanism and a Hall effect sensor operatively supported by the at least one anchor and cooperable with the at least one magnet. The tension sensing assembly further includes at least one tension spring extending between the at least one anchor and the movable mechanism. The movable mechanism moves the at least one magnet relative to the Hall effect sensor to change an output of the Hall effect sensor to indicate a tension level in the seat restraint system when the at least one tension spring is stretched.

Abstract: A tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a rigid frame of a seat restraint buckle of the seat restraint system. The tension sensing assembly also includes a movable member operatively supported by the rigid frame and adapted to be connected to vehicle structure. The movable member is movable relative to the rigid frame. The tension sensing assembly includes a strain member operatively supported by the moveable member and the rigid frame. The tension sensing assembly further includes a strain gage sensor operatively supported by the strain member to indicate a tension level in the seat restraint system when the strain member is displaced by the movable member.

Abstract: A passenger van is equipped with a drive mechanism for power operation of a slideable side door. The drive mechanism has an endless flexible drive member that travels in a closed loop which includes travel through a lower track that supports and guides a hinge and roller assembly that is attached to the lower front corner of the side door. A clutch is mounted on the hinge and roller assembly to clamp onto the flexible drive member for power operation. The clutch is released by an actuator that maintains the clutch disengaged until the clutch is automatically re-engaged when the side door is closed or opened completely.