Abstract: A method for determining a crash condition of a vehicle comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a first direction substantially parallel to a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and providing a first crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method also comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a second direction substantially parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle and providing a second crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method further comprises the steps of determining a crash metric value functionally related to the sensed crash acceleration based on the second acceleration signal and comparing the determined crash metric value as a function of the sensed first crash acceleration signal against an associated threshold. The method still further comprises the step of determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal.

Abstract: A method for determining a crash condition of a vehicle comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a first direction substantially parallel to a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and providing a first crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method also comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a second direction substantially parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle and providing a second crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method further comprises the steps of determining a crash metric value functionally related to the sensed crash acceleration based on the second acceleration signal and comparing the determined crash metric value as a function of the sensed first crash acceleration signal against an associated threshold. The method still further comprises the step of determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polarizer for noble gases comprising a glass sample cell and a pressure chanter in which the sample cell is located. High pressure and accompanying broadband or narrow-band lasers can be similarly provided in an optimal manner. To this end, the polarizer is operated at pressures of 30 bar and higher.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the determination of the absolute polarisation of alkali metal atoms. The device can inter alia be used for the diagnosis of alkali metal polarisation in a polariser for inert gases. The device includes a detection laser, which together with a &lgr;/4 plate creates circularly polarised light. A sensor for the measurement of the light absorbed by the sample of the polariser is provided. A Helmholtz coil pair serves for the creation of a static magnetic field B0. An oscillating magnetic field is created with an RF coil. A gradient coil serves for the creation of a linear magnetic field gradient. Various optical components are present. An electronic processor effects the determination of the absolute polarisation of the alkali metal atoms. All the said components with the exception of the Helmholtz coils are firmly mounted onto a platform which can be moved parallel to the direction of the B0 field.