Abstract: A sound processing system for use in an automotive vehicle of the type which includes at least one door and at least one door-lock comprises at least one sound sensor coupled to the vehicle for receiving a sound external to the vehicle, an alert generator for notifying an occupant of the vehicle when the external sound is an emergency signal, and a door control module coupled to at least one door-lock for unlocking at least one door. A sound processor is coupled to the sound sensor, the alert generator, and the door control module and receives and compares the external sound to first and second sets of characteristics. The sound processor activates the alert generator if the sound substantially matches the first set and the door control module if the sound substantially matches the second set.

Abstract: An impact sensor assembly that has particular utility in automotive vehicles is disclosed. The assembly includes an impact sensor and a bracket that is placed operatively adjacent the sensor. The bracket includes a portion extending away from the sensor for extending the sensing area of the sensor.

Abstract: An impact sensor assembly that has particular utility in automotive vehicles is disclosed. The assembly includes an impact sensor and a bracket that is placed operatively adjacent the sensor. The bracket includes a portion extending away from the sensor for extending the sensing area of the sensor.

Abstract: A driver alertness monitoring system for motor vehicles which issues visual or audible signals to the driver, and which monitors visual, audible or mechanical responses received from the driver to determine driver alertness. An electronic control unit, preferably incorporated in the circuitry of existent vehicle safety systems, controls the activation of these visual or audible signals and determines appropriate actions based on the response of the driver. The system includes auxiliary sensors which can be used to control and modify the function of the system to reduce unnecessary activation.

Abstract: An improved safety restraint system for a motor vehicle including: safety restraint device such as a seat belt and air bag(s) for protecting an occupant during a crash, a processor for predicting the collision of an obstacle with the motor vehicle and for generating an output signal to activate various actuators, actuators for activating the restraint devices in dependence with an output of the sensors various sensors including a radar microwave or millimeter wave system for generating and propagating electromagnetic radiation waves and to receive reflected waves, the transmitted and received waves being of predetermined frequency, wavelength, spectrum, duration and power to provide a desired sensing range and response.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence of an object within a vehicle's passenger compartment including an occupant in a motor vehicle comprising of: one or more safety restraint device such as air bag or pretensioner for protecting the occupant during a crash, actuating device includes within the restraint device for activating the safety restraint device to protect an occupant during a collision; a first occupant sensor, fixedly positioned in the vehicle, for generating a reflected electric field within the passenger compartment for generating an output signal indicative of the presence of an object, the electric field being of predetermined size, wherein the presence of an object effects the reflected electric field causing a change in the output signal of the sensor, the sensor mounted on one of a vehicle's steering wheel assembly for driver position detection or instrument panel near the passenger air bag module for passenger position detection; a crash sensor coupled to electronic control unit for sensing an

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for vehicles with a sleeping compartment or bunk area, which uses airbags installed above and in front of the occupant of the bunk area to provide restraint and secondary collision protection during crashes and rollovers and other emergency conditions. A shelf assembly above the bunk is described, containing the airbag modules installed internal to the shelf. The covering of the shelf is such that deployment of the airbags would occur through the bottom cover, providing protection to the reclining occupant during crashes and rollovers. The shelf assembly containing the airbag modules has a fabric or mesh curtain connecting the front of the shelf to the lower bunk to restrict forward occupant motion during rapid deceleration, to provide privacy for the occupant and to secure the hinged movement of the upper shelf.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence of an object within a vehicle's passenger compartment including an occupant in a motor vehicle comprising of: one or more safety restraint devices and a first occupant sensor, fixedly positioned in the vehicle, for generating a reflected electric field within the passenger compartment for generating an output signal indicative of the presence of an object, the sensor mounted on one of a vehicle's steering wheel assembly for driver position detection or instrument panel near the passenger air bag module for passenger position detection.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for vehicles with a sleeping compartment or bunk area, which uses airbags installed above and in front of the occupant of the bunk area to provide restraint and secondary collision protection during crashes and rollovers and other emergency conditions. A shelf assembly above the bunk is described, containing the airbag modules installed internal to the shelf. The covering of the shelf is such that deployment of the airbags would occur through the bottom cover, providing protection to the reclining occupant during crashes and rollovers. The shelf assembly containing the airbag modules has a fabric or mesh curtain connecting the front of the shelf to the lower bunk to restrict forward occupant motion during rapid deceleration, to provide privacy for the occupant and to secure the hinged movement of the upper shelf.