Abstract: An impact detection system includes an impact surface mechanically associated with a vehicle and a detector mechanically associated with the impact surface. The impact surface, and hence the detector, is positioned to contact objects upon a relative movement of the vehicle with respect to the object. The detector has a deformable substrate that deflects upon the impact of the object; a resistance material deposited on the substrate, the resistance material having an electrical resistance that undergoes an ascertainable change upon deflection of the substrate from impact of the object; and conductor means connected to the resistance material to supply electrical power thereto and to transmit therefrom impact signals reflective of changes in the electrical resistance of the variable resistance material upon impact of the object with the impact surface. The impact signals can be used to determine if the object is a person or a hard object such as a pole and implement an appropriate response.

Abstract: A system and method for a resistor for detecting the relative level of moisture content in a humid environment. The resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate having a bend. The conductive material is exposed to atmospheric conditions. The first layer of conductive material has a static condition moisture content and a measurable electrical resistance that changes predictably when the amount of moisture content in contact with the first layer of conductive material changes from the static condition. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material corresponds to a change in the moisture content in contact with the first layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A system and method for a resistor for detecting the relative level of moisture content in a humid environment. The resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate having a bend. The conductive material is exposed to atmospheric conditions. The first layer of conductive material has a static condition moisture content and a measurable electrical resistance that changes predictably when the amount of moisture content in contact with the first layer of conductive material changes from the static condition. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material corresponds to a change in the moisture content in contact with the first layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A system and method for a deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material and a second layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate, said first layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. A dielectric is placed over the first and second layers of conductive material. A third layer of conductive material is placed thereon. The dielectric material electrically insulates the first and second layers from the third layer.

Abstract: A system and method for a bi-directional deflectable resistor. The bi-directional deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate and a second layer of conductive material on a bottom surface of a substrate, each layer having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of either the first layer of conductive material or the second layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. Having two layers of conductive material allows for the measurement of deflection in all directions.

Abstract: An air bag system has an array of detectors positioned under the seat material of a vehicle seat upon which a person or mass can be positioned. The array has a plurality of sensor leaves extending from a plurality of sensor branches. The branches extend from a trunk. Each sensor is of the type which predictably changes resistance upon the mechanical deflection thereof. A deflector is positioned to concentrate the deflection forces on the sensor leaf. Each sensor leaf has a substrate with conductive material on one side and a backer on the other. The sensor array output is supplied to a terminal and then to operation means which are connected to arm or disarm an air bag actuator to regulate the operation of the air bag in accordance with the mass such as an occupant or a child car seat on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle has a seat configured to receive a person or object. An array of flexible potentiometers is positioned in the seat to sense the mass or weight and the footprint or profile of that which is in the seat. The flexible potentiometers supply a signal through circuitry to enable or disable an air bag system in the vehicle. The air bag system operates under selected conditions such as what may be experienced in a crash of the vehicle to deploy the air bag to preclude movement of a seat occupant into vehicle structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.