Abstract: A flat flexible cable with electrical conductors is disclosed for use in a vehicle. One or more of the conductors is configured to be attached to an external electrical device at an attachment point. The cable includes a region free from electrical conductors and an aperture formed through the conductor free region. The aperture is configured to be engaged with a cable engagement member to secure the cable to the electrical device and provide strain relief to the attachment point. The flat flexible cable can include a plurality of conductor free regions and a plurality of apertures in each of the one or more conductor free regions.

Abstract: A sensor assembly has a plurality of sensing elements configured to be positioned within a seat of a vehicle. Each of the sensing elements include an output signal indicating the presence or absence of an occupant. The sensor assembly includes a cable with a plurality of conductors that are in electrical communication with the output signals of the sensing elements. The sensor assembly further provides a non-conductive spacer positioned between the cable and the plurality of sensing elements. A method for providing a sensor assembly having a spacer between sensing elements and conductors attached thereto to reduce unwanted coupling of signals onto the conductors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame, a cushion and a sensor assembly. The cushion is positioned on the frame and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensing element and is positioned on one but not both of the top surface and bottom surface of the cushion.

Abstract: A flat flexible cable with electrical conductors is disclosed for use in a vehicle. One or more of the conductors is configured to be attached to an external electrical device at an attachment point. The cable includes a region free from electrical conductors and an aperture formed through the conductor free region. The aperture is configured to be engaged with a cable engagement member to secure the cable to the electrical device and provide strain relief to the attachment point. The flat flexible cable can include a plurality of conductor free regions and a plurality of apertures in each of the one or more conductor free regions.

Abstract: A sensor assembly has a plurality of sensing elements configured to be positioned within a seat of a vehicle. Each of the sensing elements include an output signal indicating the presence or absence of an occupant. The sensor assembly includes a cable with a plurality of conductors that are in electrical communication with the output signals of the sensing elements. The sensor assembly further provides a non-conductive spacer positioned between the cable and the plurality of sensing elements. A method for providing a sensor assembly having a spacer between sensing elements and conductors attached thereto to reduce unwanted coupling of signals onto the conductors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a bladder for use in an occupant sensor includes positioning first and second sheets of polymeric film onto a bed. The method further includes positioning a laser beam generator above the bed. The laser beam generator is provided information to describe a path of movement over the bed and is then caused to move over the bed along the path and apply a laser beam to melt the first and second sheets to form a bond between the sheets. A system for manufacturing an occupant sensor bladder from polymeric material is also provided. The system includes a bed capable of accepting two layers of polymeric material and a laser beam generator directed at the bed. The laser beam generator can move along a path above the bed and simultaneously apply a laser beam to the polymeric material.

Abstract: Presence of an occupant in a vehicle is sensed. Furthermore, at least one occupant exposure condition in the vehicle is sensed. If there is an occupant in the vehicle, a signal is sent as a function of the at least one occupant exposure condition in the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective package comprises an enclosure including a back plate that has a base, a top, a first sidewall and a second sidewall mounted thereon to form a cavity including an opening opposite the back plate. A plurality of filament positioning frames occupy the cavity to provide an organized distribution. Each of the filament positioning frames comprises a filament container having a filament clamp, in spaced-apart relationship from the filament container for gripping a plurality of filaments providing a plurality of filament tips extending from each filament clamp. Each of the filament positioning frames further comprises a frame between the filament container and the filament clamp. The frame has a first frame member parallel to a second frame member attached to the filament clamp with each of the plurality of filament tips located adjacent to the opening.