Abstract: An occupant classification sense element is provided. The sense element has a body having a center portion, a first attachment portion connected to the center portion by a first flexible beam, and a second attachment portion connected to the center portion by a second flexible beam. First and second strain sensing elements are attached to the first flexible beam and third and fourth strain sensing elements are attached to the second flexible beam. The first, second, third and fourth strain sensing elements cooperate to produce an electrical signal indicative of a force deflecting the first and second flexible beams.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for verifying that an occupant sensing system reliably classifies vehicle seat occupants as adults or children, a small number of systems is tested using test objects that have physical characteristics representative of a lower limit adult and an upper limit child. Average measured parameter values are calculated for each test object, as well as standard deviation. Margins are then calculated for each of the two test objects, using separate statistical formulas. If the margins for both objects are non-negative, it is concluded that the system demonstrates a minimum reliability, with a desired confidence level.

Abstract: An arrangement of a frame rail bumper beam combination is provided which has a frame rail for connection with a chassis of an automotive vehicle, and a bumper beam having a tubular cross-sectional shape with a first section connected with the frame rail, and a first upper surface between a front end and a rear end of the bumper beam, and the bumper beam having at least first and second cutouts in the first surface with a web therebetween that causes the rail to plastically deform in the first section of the bumper beam in a crash.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a digital signal that represents the profile of a movable part such as a bolt. The part is moved by a part carrier between a source of radiant energy and a sensor and the sensor develops a voltage that is a function of the profile of the part. This voltage is processed by a programmed microprocessor. The processing of the voltage and the microprocessor operates to develop a digital representation of the part that does not vary with the changes in speed of the part. The part carrier is moved between the source and sensor and voltage variations due to vertical motion of the part carrier are compensated.