Abstract: A sensor for measuring a movement characteristic of an object has a housing, an emitter emitting electromagnetic radiation, a detector for receiving electromagnetic radiation, a rod having a graduated scale with a plurality of first regions and second regions for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation from the emitter. A plurality of rollers positions the rod within the housing. As the object moves the first and second regions, the emitter and detector reflect different levels of electromagnetic radiation. The detector generates an output voltage corresponding the level of reflected radiation from the scale. The output voltage is then converted into displacement, velocity, or acceleration.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle occupant compartment is bounded by an energy absorbing vehicle door comprising an outer panel, an inner panel joined to the outer panel and defining a space therebetween, a guard beam mounted longitudinally in the space, a trim panel mounted on an occupant compartment side of the inner panel and having a plurality of energy absorbing bolsters attached thereto generally laterally adjacent the guard beam, and load distribution means mounted in the space laterally between the guard beam and the energy absorbing bolsters for distributing a load imparted to the guard beam evenly across the energy absorbing bolsters so as to preserve the energy absorption bolsters in a substantially undeformed state prior to occupant contact with the door during a side impact type collision.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle occupant compartment is bounded by an energy absorbing vehicle door including an outer panel, an inner panel joined to the outer panel and defining a space therebetween, a guard beam mounted longitudinally in the space, a trim panel mounted on an occupant compartment side of the inner panel and having a plurality of energy absorbing bolsters attached generally laterally adjacent the guard beam, and a load distribuler mounted in the space laterally between the guard beam and the energy absorbing bolsters for distributing a load imparted to the guard beam evenly across the energy absorbing bolsters so as to preserve the energy absorption bolsters in a substantially undeformed state prior to occupant contact with the door during a side impact type collision.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle occupant compartment is bounded by an energy absorbing vehicle door comprising an outer panel, an inner panel laterally joined to the outer panel, a trim panel releasably attached to an occupant compartment facing side of the inner panel and defining a space between the outer panel and the trim panel with the inner panel therein, and energy absorbing member in the form of bolster blocks mounted in the space so that when an externally originating load is applied generally normal to the door the trim panel deploys into the occupant compartment presenting the energy absorbing member in a substantially undeformed state to the occupant seating area.