Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) for driving a vehicle safety device (18) incorporates an input (2) which is connected to an output (9) of an electronic control unit (5). The output (9) of the electronic control unit (5) is an output which is operable to provide a firing signal to activate a pyrotechnic squib in a safety device, such as an airbag module. The drive arrangement (1) incorporates first and second analyzers (14, 15) which perform first and second algorithms on a firing signal provided by the electronic control unit (5) to determine that the firing signal would have activated a pyrotechnic squib. The drive arrangement (1) provides an output signal to a safety device (18) if both the first and second analyzers (14, 15) determine that the firing signal would have activated the pyrotechnic squib.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) comprising an input (2) from a primary power source (5) and an auxiliary power source (7). The drive arrangement (1) incorporates a DC-DC converter (8) and a motor driver circuit (14). The motor driver circuit (14) is connected to a motor (18) in a motorized seat belt retractor. The drive arrangement (1) drives the motor (18) in the event of a crash situation. If the connection between the drive arrangement (1) and the primary power source (5) is lost then the drive arrangement (1) draws power from the auxiliary power source (7) to drive the motor (18). The auxiliary power source (7) can also assist the primary power source (5) by limiting the current drawn from the primary power source (5).

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) for driving a vehicle safety device (18) incorporates an input (2) which is connected to an output (9) of an electronic control unit (5). The output (9) of the electronic control unit (5) is an output which is operable to provide a firing signal to activate a pyrotechnic squib in a safety device, such as an airbag module. The drive arrangement (1) incorporates first and second analysers (14, 15) which perform first and second algorithms on a firing signal provided by the electronic control unit (5) to determine that the firing signal would have activated a pyrotechnic squib. The drive arrangement (1) provides an output signal to a safety device (18) if both the first and second analyzers (14, 15) determine that the firing signal would have activated the pyrotechnic squib.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) comprising an input (2) from a primary power source (5) and an auxiliary power source (7). The drive arrangement (1) incorporates a DC-DC converter (8) and a motor driver circuit (14). The motor driver circuit (14) is connected to a motor (18) in a motorised seat belt retractor. The drive arrangement (1) drives the motor (18) in the event of a crash situation. If the connection between the drive arrangement (1) and the primary power source (5) is lost then the drive arrangement (1) draws power from the auxiliary power source (7) to drive the motor (18). The auxiliary power source (7) can also assist the primary power source (5) by limiting the current drawn from the primary power source (5).

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) for driving a motor (9) in a seat belt pre-tensioner incorporates a power supply circuit (6) in the form of an H bridge and a voltage boost circuit 16 which are controlled by a control unit (17). The control unit (17) controls the voltage boost circuit (16) to increase the voltage output to the motor (9) to speed up the rotation of the motor (9) whilst the motor (9) winds in slack in a seat belt (13).

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) for driving a motor (9) in a seat belt pre-tensioner incorporates a power supply circuit (6) in the form of an H bridge and a voltage boost circuit 16 which are controlled by a control unit (17). The control unit (17) controls the voltage boost circuit (16) to increase the voltage output to the motor (9) to speed up the rotation of the motor (9) whilst the motor (9) winds in slack in a seat belt (13).

Abstract: A movable or removable seat for a motor vehicle is disclosed which preferably takes the form of a re-movable vehicle seat (1). The removable seat incorporates a first inductor (17) which forms part of an inductive coupling between the removable seat and a second inductor (21) which is mounted on the motor vehicle. The first inductor forms part of a resonant circuit which incorporates at least one capacitor. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is variable in response to a sensed parameter such as, for example, the position of a head-rest of the seat, the inclination of the back-rest of the seat and such like. A central unit (23) generates a square wave which excites the resonant circuit. A signal is transmitted from the resonant circuit to the central unit (23) which analyses the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

Abstract: A movable or removable seat for a motor vehicle is disclosed which preferably takes the form of a re-movable vehicle seat (1). The removable seat incorporates a first inductor (17) which forms part of an inductive coupling between the removable seat and a second inductor (21) which is mounted on the motor vehicle. The first inductor forms part of a resonant circuit which incorporates at least one capacitor. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is variable in response to a sensed parameter such as, for example, the position of a head-rest of the seat, the inclination of the back-rest of the seat and such like. A central unit (23) generates a square wave which excites the resonant circuit. A signal is transmitted from the resonant circuit to the central unit (23) which analyses the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of safety devices each adapted to be activated in the event that an accident should occur. Each safety device includes at least one element selected from the group comprising an electric activator for activating the safety device and a sensor to sense a parameter related to the safety device. The system includes a first conductive arrangement comprising at least one first conductor and a first group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the first group being connected to one of the first conductors. The system includes a second conductive arrangement comprising at least one second conductor, and a second group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the second group being connected to one of the second conductors. The elements are connected in a circuit so that each element is connected between one switch of the first group of switches and one switch of the second group of switches.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of safety devices each adapted to be activated in the event that an accident should occur. Each safety device includes at least one element selected from the group comprising an electric activator for activating the safety device and a sensor to sense a parameter related to the safety device. The system includes a first conductive arrangement comprising at least one first conductor and a first group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the first group being connected to one of the first conductors. The system includes a second conductive arrangement comprising at least one second conductor, and a second group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the second group being connected to one of the second conductors. The elements are connected in a circuit so that each element is connected between one switch of the first group of switches and one switch of the second group of switches.