Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling actuation of a protection device for an occupant of a vehicle seat (12) includes the steps of: determining (44) when an output signal of a weight sensor rises from an initial value; waiting (46) a predetermined period of time (T2) after the output signal rises from the initial value; determining (48) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time (T2); comparing (50) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time with a first threshold weight (W1); enabling (52) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time exceeds the first threshold weight; and disabling (54) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time does not exceed the first threshold weight.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes first and second members (20, 22) that are connected to each other and pivotable relative to each other about an axis (46). A spring (120) biases the first member (20) to pivot in a first rotational direction relative to the second member (22). A seat belt (14) engages the first member (20) and urges the first member to pivot against the bias of the spring (120) in a second rotational direction as tension in the seat belt increases. The relative angular position of the first and second members (20, 22) changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. The apparatus (10) also includes a sensor (24) for measuring the angular position of the first member (20) relative to the second member (22) and providing a signal corresponding to the angular position. The signal is proportional to the amount of tension in the seat belt (14).

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling actuation of a protection device for an occupant of a vehicle seat (12) having a weight sensor (14) comprises the steps of: determining (44) when the value of an output signal of the weight sensor rises from an initial value; waiting (46) a predetermined period of time (T2) after the value of the output signal rises from the initial value; determining (48) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time (T2); comparing (50) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time with a first threshold weight (W1); enabling (52) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time exceeds the first threshold weight; and disabling (54) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time does not exceed the first threshold weight.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes first and second members (20, 22) that are connected to each other and pivotable relative to each other about an axis (46). A spring (120) biases the first member (20) to pivot in a first rotational direction relative to the second member (22). A seat belt (14) engages the first member (20) and urges the first member to pivot against the bias of the spring (120) in a second rotational direction as tension in the seat belt increases. The relative angular position of the first and second members (20, 22) changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. The apparatus (10) also includes means (24) for measuring the angular position of the first member (20) relative to the second member (22) and providing a signal corresponding to the angular position. The signal is proportional to the amount of tension in the seat belt (14).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), when inflated, has a bottom edge (52) spaced apart from the vehicle roof (18) and front and rear bottom corners (60 and 62). An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) includes a flexible elongated member (70) that has a first end (72) connected to the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) at a first location (76). The flexible elongated member (70) also has an opposite second end (74) connected to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) at a second location (82).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for restraining a vehicle occupant comprises an air bag assembly having a center of gravity (70) and including a container (20), an air bag (42), and an inflator (50). The air bag assembly is pivotally mounted to an instrument panel (16) of the vehicle with a pivot axis (90) offset from the center of gravity (70). The air bag assembly has a stored position and an operative position and is pivotable from the stored position to the operative position. Thrust produced upon inflation of the air bag pivots the air bag assembly. The apparatus further includes a knee blocking member (36) secured to a side (24) of the container (20) of the air bag assembly. When the assembly moves from the stored position to the operative position, the knee blocking member (36) moves to an occupant restraining position.