Abstract: A program-controlled electronic equipment comprises a memory for storing status information of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of elements, and a loader for loading a plurality of control programs for controlling the elements. Control means controls the loader such that the loader loads only those control programs which control the existing elements, in accordance with the status information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A contact supervising circuit for a rider protective device, in which an ignition switch, a collision sensor, and a detonator are connected in series to a DC power source, a monitoring resistor is connected in parallel to the collision sensor, and a monitoring switch is connected in series to the monitoring resistor. The device comprises delay means for closing a contact of the monitoring switch with a period of delay to interrupt a monitoring current flowing from the DC power source through the monitoring resistor for a predetermined period of time after turning-on of the ignition switch. The device further comprises assertion means for supervising the monitoring current and for asserting the fact that the monitoring current does not flow during the period of delay in which the closing the contact of the monitoring switch is delayed by the delay means.

Abstract: In an air bag device (1) for a vehicle having an ignition switch (7) operatively connected to an electric power source (1a), an air bag trigger circuit, (5) comprising an impact sensing circuit (3) including an impact sensor (10a, 10b) and an air bag inflation squib (4) connected in series to the sensing circuit (3), is substantially directly connected to the power source (1a).

Abstract: A triggering device and a method of operation which may be used in a vehicle-mounted gas bag protection device, in which a bag fills with gas upon impact of the vehicle. During normal conditions, a small current passes through a detonator associated with the gas generator. This current is supplied by an auxiliary power supply, including a capacitor, which is charged through a diode from a main vehicle battery. When impact occurs, an increased current flows through the detonator to cause gas to be generated. To detect malfunctions, a voltage associated with the detonator is monitored and then alarm is generated when the monitor voltage exceeds a predetermined range. To prevent the generation of false malfunction alarms, the predetermined range is determined with respect to the voltage produced by the auxiliary power supply and not the main battery of the vehicle so that fluctuations in the voltage associated with the main battery of the vehicle do not produce false alarms.