Abstract: A vehicle pedal assembly with a rotatable pedal. A hysteresis assembly includes a friction device and plunger, and first and second springs that are all separate and decoupled from each other and the pedal. The first spring exerts a force against the friction plunger that forces the friction device into frictional contact with the housing to generate and transfer a resistance force to the pedal. The first spring also exerts a force against the pedal when a foot force is removed from the pedal to return the pedal to idle with and without the movement of the friction device and without the force of the second spring. The second spring exerts a force against the friction device when the foot force is removed to return the pedal to idle without the force of the first spring. Barriers block the entry of debris into the housing.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism and module for generating and applying a resistance force to a pedal. The resistance module includes a plunger adapted for movement in the interior of the module between rest and depressed positions in response to the application by the pedal of a compression force against the plunger. The plunger includes an exterior camming surface. An actuator is also located in the interior of the module and includes an exterior camming surface which abuts and is adapted to slide against the camming surface on the plunger in response to the movement of the plunger. A spring in the module abuts and is adapted to apply a biasing force against the actuator. The interaction between the camming surfaces on the plunger and the actuator generates a resistance force which is applied to the pedal.

Abstract: A pedal assembly including a pedal housing and a friction generating cartridge which is clipped into the interior of the pedal housing through an opening in the base of the pedal housing. The cartridge includes at least an actuator engaged by a pedal arm, a brake pad engaged by the actuator, and springs which engage against the brake pad. Legs on the brake pad frictionally engage against interior surfaces of the cartridge. A flexible, arcuate rib member connects the legs. Feet at the end of the legs engage against the actuator and facilitate the flexing of the legs. A connector assembly extends through another opening in the housing and includes arms which clip the connector to the housing. In one embodiment, an elongate plate on the pedal arm engages a ledge defined on a back wall of the housing to limit the rotation of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism and module for generating and applying a resistance force to a pedal. The resistance module includes a plunger adapted for movement in the interior of the module between rest and depressed positions in response to the application by the pedal of a compression force against the plunger. The plunger includes an exterior camming surface. An actuator is also located in the interior of the module and includes an exterior camming surface which abuts and is adapted to slide against the camming surface on the plunger in response to the movement of the plunger. A spring in the module abuts and is adapted to apply a biasing force against the actuator. The interaction between the camming surfaces on the plunger and the actuator generates a resistance force which is applied to the pedal.

Abstract: A mounting assembly which, in one embodiment, is for a pedal assembly including a plate with at least a first mounting bracket including an interior wall which, in one embodiment, defines an aperture and a pair of slots. A sleeve is fitted in the opening and, in one embodiment, is generally U-shaped and includes both an arcuate base and a pair of arms. The base is fitted in the aperture and at least the distal end of the pair of arms is fitted in the pair of slots respectively. The interior wall is configured so that, in one embodiment, a generally circular aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein; and, in another embodiment, a generally oval-shaped aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a vehicle including a pedal housing and a pedal arm coupled to the housing. A friction generating assembly associated with the housing includes at least an actuator which is engaged by the pedal arm, a brake pad engaged by the actuator, and springs which engage against the brake pad. Arms on the brake pad are adapted to engage with either an interior central wall or interior peripheral wall of the friction generating assembly. In one embodiment, the friction generating assembly defines a separate module which is snap fitted into a cavity defined in the pedal housing. A magnet is coupled to the pedal arm. A sensor is coupled to the pedal housing and positioned in proximity to the magnet. The sensor is responsive to movement of the magnet to generate an electrical signal that is representative of the position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for use with a seat belt assembly. The sensor includes a housing that has a slot and a plate coupled with the housing. The plate has another slot and a cutout. The slots are connected with a seat belt. A sensor is retained by the housing and extends into the cutout. A portion of the plate is adapted to be engaged by the sensor as tension is increased on the seat belt. The sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt assembly in a vehicle. The seat belt tensor sensor is secured to the vehicle by a bolt. The sensor includes a housing that is secured by the bolt. An anchor plate is mounted to the housing. The anchor plate has a hole for the bolt and an opening. A strain gage is secured to the housing and extends into the opening. The strain gage has an aperture. A spring is located between the anchor plate and the strain gage. An actuator support is located between the spring and the strain gage to actuate the strain gage. The actuator has a projection extending through the aperture that contacts the anchor plate. The projection prevents a shift in the output of the strain gage when the sensor is subjected to mechanical shock.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is held by the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for use with a seat belt assembly. The sensor includes a housing that has a slot and a plate coupled with the housing. The plate has another slot and a cutout. The slots are connected with a seat belt. A sensor is retained by the housing and extends into the cutout. A portion of the plate is adapted to be engaged by the sensor as tension is increased on the seat belt. The sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is affixed to the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt assembly in a vehicle. The seat belt tensor sensor is secured to the vehicle by a bolt. The sensor includes a housing that is secured by the bolt. An anchor plate is mounted to the housing. The anchor plate has a hole for the bolt and an opening. A strain gage is secured to the housing and extends into the opening. The strain gage has an aperture. A spring is located between the anchor plate and the strain gage. An actuator support is located between the spring and the strain gage to actuate the strain gage. The actuator has a projection extending through the aperture that contacts the anchor plate. The projection prevents a shift in the output of the strain gage when the sensor is subjected to mechanical shock.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate. A lever is mounted in the housing. The lever holds a magnet. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the magnet and the sensor. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly is adapted to be secured to the seat belt assembly of a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing for a seat belt anchor adapted for movement relative to the housing into an overload position where a portion of the anchor is abutted against a portion of the housing to limit and arrest the movement of the anchor relative to the housing and transfer the load from the anchor to the housing and then to an interior structure of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing forms a collar and the anchor includes an interior wall defining an aperture through which the collar extends when the anchor is mounted to the housing. Movement of the anchor relative to the housing is limited as a result of the contact between the interior anchor wall and the collar.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt assembly in a vehicle. The seat belt tensor sensor is secured to the vehicle by a bolt. The sensor includes a housing that is secured by the bolt. An anchor plate is mounted to the housing. The anchor plate has a hole for the bolt and an opening. A strain gage is secured to the housing and extends into the opening. The strain gage has an aperture. A spring is located between the anchor plate and the strain gage. An actuator support is located between the spring and the strain gage to actuate the strain gage. The actuator has a projection extending through the aperture that contacts the anchor plate. The projection prevents a shift in the output of the strain gage when the sensor is subjected to mechanical shock.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate. A lever is mounted in the housing. The lever holds a magnet. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the magnet and the sensor. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly is adapted to be secured to the seat belt assembly of a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing for a seat belt anchor adapted for movement relative to the housing into an overload position where a portion of the anchor is abutted against a portion of the housing to limit and arrest the movement of the anchor relative to the housing and transfer the load from the anchor to the housing and then to an interior structure of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing forms a collar and the anchor includes an interior wall defining an aperture through which the collar extends when the anchor is mounted to the housing. Movement of the anchor relative to the housing is limited as a result of the contact between the interior anchor wall and the collar.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is held by the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is affixed to the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a child seat detecting apparatus for detecting the presence of a child seat in a vehicle. The child seat detecting apparatus is a tension sensing device that is attached to a vehicle seat. The tension sensing device includes a bracket that is mounted to the vehicle seat. A moveable bar is retained by the bracket. The moveable bar is attached to the child seat. A sensor is mounted between the bracket and the moveable bar. The sensor is adapted to provide an electrical signal that is indicative of a magnitude of tension on the moveable bar. A spring is located between the bracket and the moveable bar. The spring biases the moveable bar away from the bracket.