Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.

Abstract: Systems for indicating the status of a seatbelt buckle prior to a protective response are disclosed herein. An airbag activation system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a normally closed magnetically operated reed switch. The reed switch is attached to a connector carried on one portion of a seatbelt, and a magnet is attached to a buckle carried on another portion of the seatbelt. Coupling the connector to the buckle causes the magnetic field of the magnet to move the reed switch from the normally closed position to an open position, thereby enabling the activation system to inflate the airbag in the event of an accident.

Abstract: Occupant restraint systems for use in land vehicles and other vehicles are disclosed herein. A restraint system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate belt or web configured to extend across an occupant seated in a vehicle, such as a military land vehicle. A proximal end portion of the elongate web is operably coupled to a web retractor. The web retractor carries an electrically actuated web locking device operably coupled to an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor sends an electrical signal to the web locking device in response to vehicle acceleration in, for example, a vertical direction above a preset magnitude. The web locking device responds to the electrical signal by at least temporarily preventing the retractor from paying out web.

Abstract: An air bag deployment system includes circuitry for preventing the accidental deployment of the air bag during exposure of the system to an excessive external magnetic field. In a first exemplary embodiment of the system, the system includes an accelerometer comprised of first and second Hall effect magnetic devices which are associated with the impact detection circuitry of the deployment system. These are the sensors which would normally trigger deployment of the air bag system upon detection of an impact or acceleration of sufficient magnitude. A sensed magnetic field is used in determining the presence of an acceleration which is of sufficient magnitude to require deployment of the air bag in order to prevent injury to the occupants of a vehicle. The advanced system of the present invention further includes circuitry which senses large external magnetic fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism which is automatically operable for removing articles from a single work station, inverting the articles and transporting them in groups of plural pieces aligned in a row.