Abstract: A drive lock includes a security control unit and an engine control unit that is ready for operation only when the engine control unit has received from the security control unit an encoded release code that matches a predetermined reference code. The engine control unit has storage devices into which it can enter a reference code. On receipt of a release code, it checks on whether a reference code is present in the storage devices. If there is a reference code matching the release code, the engine control unit makes itself ready for operation. If there is no reference code, it accepts the release code into the storage devices as the reference code.

Abstract: A vehicle security system with an anti-theft controller which conducts a data exchange with at least one function controller, particularly an engine controller, in order to control its operational readiness, wherein the data exchange is conducted via a data line connecting at least the anti-theft controller and the function controller. Alternatively, an external device (4) can be connected to the data line (1), with the device being configured for the exchange of data with at least one of the controllers (2, 3, 3', 3") The data line is a line which is already in existence in the vehicle, particularly a K-diagnostics line and/or an L-diagnostics line in accordance with ISO standard 9141. For the control of the data exchange, one of the controllers (2, 3) connected via the data line (1) exercises the functions of the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor circuit arrangement having a watchdog circuit, which monitors the proper program flow for the processor and which must be triggered in specific time intervals by the microprocessor, since otherwise it will reset (reset function) the microprocessor to the program start or the like. For reasons of simplification, it is proposed that when the microprocessor (2) recognizes that a malfunction has occurred, it spuriously triggers the watchdog circuit (5) in a selective manner to release a reset function coming from the watchdog circuit (5).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system, in particular a restraining system such as an airbag, safety-belt tightener or the like, includes a sensor device having at least two sensors, a preprocessing device comprising at least two preprocessing circuits, for the sensor signals, a computing system and a trigger circuit including at least two stages, for a safety device. For providing a high degree of safety with relatively low costs, the computing system is constructed as a single-computer system in such a way that it processes the data of two preprocessing circuits in two programs with staggered timing with respect to one another.

Abstract: A safety device for vehicle occupants has an operational voltage source, typically the vehicle's battery, and a storage device for electrical energy, typically a capacitor. Several tripping devices, typically ignition tablets, are coupled to the storage device and/or the operational voltage source, for actuating inertial restraining devices, such as airbags, belt tighteners or the like. If the storage device fails, each tripping device is connected for a specified period of time to the operational voltage source by a respective switch. Each switch is triggered by an evaluating device. Therefore, if the storage device fails, as long as the operational voltage source is connected to the safety device, each tripping device and, therefore, inertial restraining device can be actuated.

Abstract: A method of actuating a safety device for vehicle occupants, wherein the safety device has several tripping devices coupled to a capacitor and to passenger restraint devices, such as air bags, seat belts, or the like. The energy supplied by the capacitor to a tripping device is measured upon actuation of that device. If the energy supplied exceeds a predetermined limit, the flow of electric current from the capacitor to the respective tripping device is interrupted. Thus, if an actuated tripping device shunts, the energy of the capacitor is not drained by the shunt, and the capacitor maintains an energy level sufficient to actuate the other tripping devices.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the release of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, an acceleration signal is measured and integrated with respect to time to obtain a velocity signal. A release threshold value for the velocity signal is determined. If the velocity signal then falls below the release threshold value, thus indicating a vehicle collision, the passenger restraint system is released. The release threshold value is controlled depending on the type of accident situation and upon the operating parameters of the vehicle to increase the release sensitivity of the passenger restraint system. For example, the release threshold value is adjusted based on the value of the velocity signal. If the velocity signal decreases in value, then the release threshold is lowered to a more sensitive value.

Abstract: A method of actuating a safety device for vehicle occupants, wherein the safety device has several tripping devices coupled to a capacitor and to passenger restraint devices, such as air bags, seat belts, or the like. The energy supplied by the capacitor to a tripping device is measured upon actuation of that device. If the energy supplied exceeds a predetermined limit, the flow of electric current from the capacitor to the respective tripping device is interrupted. Thus, if an actuated tripping device shunts, the energy of the capacitor is not drained by the shunt, and the capacitor maintains an energy level sufficient to actuate the other tripping devices.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the release of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, an acceleration signal is measured and integrated with respect to time to obtain a velocity signal. A release threshold value for the velocity signal is determined. If the velocity signal then falls below the release threshold value, thus indicating a vehicle collision, the passenger restraint system is released. The release threshold value is controlled depending on the type of accident situation and upon the operating parameters of the vehicle to increase the release sensitivity of the passenger restraint system. For example, the release threshold value is adjusted based on the value of the velocity signal. If the velocity signal decreases in value, then the release threshold is lowered to a more sensitive value.