Abstract: A device for the voltage supply of an occupant protection system in a motor vehicle having a switching unit and a voltage supply unit, which supplies an operating voltage to the occupant protection system, the switching unit providing a supply voltage to the voltage supply unit when the supply voltage exceeds a predefined threshold value voltage level. A configuration unit is also provided which provides various reference voltage levels for the switching unit as threshold value voltage levels.

Abstract: A seat belt attachment apparatus for providing an alert notification that is secured to a conventional seat belt buckle and initiates an audible alert message each time the seat belt buckle is engaged to release the seat belt comprises a mounting member fixedly mounted to the seat belt buckle and an actuator housing is slidably disposed on the mounting member. The actuator housing is positioned such that when it is depressed, it slides into the seat belt buckle's disengaging button, thereby enabling a user to indirectly disengage a locked conventional seat belt assembly by supplying manual pressure in an actuating direction to the actuator housing. This simultaneously causes a sound module integrated with said actuator housing to emit an alert notification concerning a vehicle condition, such as a reminder to not forget a child in the vehicle.

Abstract: A network component has a signal processing device having a processor, at least one voltage source that can be connected to a supply network of the vehicle, and at least one coupling device connected to the signal processing device and the voltage source. Lines of at least one network segment of the vehicle network can be connected to the coupling device for the simultaneous signal connection of the network segment to the signal processing device and for the voltage supply of the network segment by the voltage source. The voltage source is configured such that a voltage ratio between at least one supply voltage provided by the voltage source and the voltage provided by the supply network can be selected from a selection of several predetermined voltage ratios.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor occupants in an interior compartment of a vehicle. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, alarm sirens, and a communication module. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle with an interior compartment. The infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the interior compartments. Various thermal image processing and analytics may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the presence and various attributes of one or more occupants. Based on the determination of the presence and various attributes, occupant detection information or control signals may be generated. Occupant detection information may be used to perform various monitoring operations, and control signals may adjust various vehicle components.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (1) comprising an input (2) from a primary power source (5) and an auxiliary power source (7). The drive arrangement (1) incorporates a DC-DC converter (8) and a motor driver circuit (14). The motor driver circuit (14) is connected to a motor (18) in a motorized seat belt retractor. The drive arrangement (1) drives the motor (18) in the event of a crash situation. If the connection between the drive arrangement (1) and the primary power source (5) is lost then the drive arrangement (1) draws power from the auxiliary power source (7) to drive the motor (18). The auxiliary power source (7) can also assist the primary power source (5) by limiting the current drawn from the primary power source (5).

Abstract: The fastened seatbelts cutting device for transport vehicle, especially automotive vehicles, featuring bushing-shaped housing with an explosive charge or a gas generator inside, the charge and generator connected with a system activating the belt cutting drive, also featuring a cutting knife and a slot for this knife or blade and a slot to house the belt being cut, has a pusher (6) located between the gas generator (4), chamber (3), and the cutting segment (7), sealed with respect to the working chamber (8) in the guide chamber (5), and the blade (9) cutting edge (21) is one of the sides of triangle connected with the blade (9) body seated in the cutting segment (7).

Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, and a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for restricting a flow of gases from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The valve mechanism is structured such that an actuation response time of the valve in attenuating or impeding gas flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber is proportional to the pressure differential between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A restraint method, apparatus and system includes one or more of a restraining strap, a latch and an opening apparatus. The restraining strap is configured to bind a subject to a support structure. The latch is configured to removably engage at least one of two ends of the restraining strap. The opening apparatus includes a first module configured to cause the latch to open, an actuator, and a second module. The second module is configured to cause the first module to open the latch in response to operation of the actuator after a delay of time past the operation of the actuator. The opening module is arranged so that the subject can operate the actuator.

Abstract: A system of providing vehicle information and alerts to a vehicle operator or other user includes a device that removably attaches to the vehicle data port. The device communicates through the data port with a vehicle electronic control module. The device incorporates a set of vehicle operating parameters, communications settings and commands. The device monitors vehicle operating parameters and alerts a vehicle operator or other user if a monitored vehicle operating parameter exceeds a predetermined or configured limit. The vehicle operator or other user may configure custom calculations, formulas, or algorithms to generate new data based on existing vehicle or peripheral input data and then may use this new data as the configured limit to alert the vehicle operator or other user.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least two sensors. A first sensor is configured to output a child restraint signal indicating a presence of a child restraint system. A second sensor is configured to output a belt tension signal representing a tension associated with a seat belt. A processing device is programmed to determine whether the child restraint system includes a child seat or a booster seat based on the child restraint signal and the belt tension signal.

Abstract: A method for activating a safety actuator of a motor vehicle includes: ascertaining an endangerment model of the motor vehicle with the aid of an anticipatory sensor system and at least one characteristic value of a pose of a driver of the motor vehicle; ascertaining a controllability of the motor vehicle by a driver of the motor vehicle with the aid of the at least one characteristic value; and activating the safety actuator to an extent which is a function of the endangerment model and the controllability.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt bypass warning system involves, a video camera, at least one processor, face detection software, a safety belt, and a safety belt engagement sensor circuit. The processor detects that a human face is present and associated with an individual seat. An infrared (IR) emitter output is positioned on the safety belt and transmits individually coded light pulses unique to the occupied seat. At least one IR receiver receives individually coded light pulses from occupied seat IR emitters and, in response, will output coded electrical signals indicative of which occupied seat(s) the individually coded light pulses were received from. The at least one processor will wait for receipt of the coded electrical signals from the IR receiver. If the processor does not receive an indication for a particular occupied seat, the processor will trigger a safety belt bypass warning indicator.

Abstract: A vehicle system has a sensor array and a processing device. The sensor array includes a first group of sensors and a second group of sensors. The sensors of the first group are offset relative to the sensors in the second group. The processing device is configured to determine a general shape of an impact object based at least in part on signals received from the sensor array.

Abstract: A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in an environmental region of a motor vehicle by a camera system of the motor vehicle is disclosed. A first image of the environmental region is provided by a camera of the camera system with illumination of the environmental region using a light source of the motor vehicle such that a shadow of the object caused by the illumination is depicted in the first image. A second image of the environmental region is also provided by the camera in an inactive state of the light source, in which the illumination is omitted. Then, a subtraction image is generated by subtracting one of the images from the other image by an image processing device of the camera system. Then, an edge image is generated from the subtraction image, and the object is detected based on edges of the edge image by the image processing device.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes determining whether a primary user is present in an autonomous vehicle, allowing use of a plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle in response to determining that the primary user is present in the autonomous vehicle, and receiving and storing preferences input by the primary user, wherein the preferences identify a limitation on one or more of the plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle that should be enforced during use of the autonomous vehicle if the primary user is not present in the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes limiting use of the one or more of the plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle as specified by the preferences in response to determining that the primary user is not present in the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle-operation assist includes a circumferential-state imager for imaging a circumferential state of a vehicle with a camera and generating a circumferential-state image; a synthetic-image generator for generating a synthetic image by superimposing on the circumferential-state image, an assumed-movement pattern of the vehicle performing a predetermined series of driving operations; and a display for displaying the synthetic image. The circumferential-state imager has at least one camera and a camera parameter table for storing characteristics of the camera and generating the circumferential-state image on the basis of the camera characteristics.

Abstract: A seatbelt restraint system includes a seatbelt buckle housing having a printed circuit board, a slider, and an ejector. The printed circuit board includes a circuit where the output signal can be altered in response to translation of the ejector and the slider. A predetermined voltage can be applied to the circuit and the output signal can be detected in the circuit to determine the position of the ejector and the slider based on the detected altered output signal. In the event of a fault in the system, the resultant output signal of the circuit will be different than the expected output signal of the buckled and unbuckled states.

Abstract: A system for remotely operating a machine includes a plurality of remote control input devices including a propulsion input device. A controller generates an operator generated propulsion command to propel the machine and generates continued propulsion commands to continue to propel the machine without additional propulsion signals from a propulsion input device. The controller determines an interval since the generation of a previous remote input signal at the remote control unit and generates a change in operation command signal if the interval since the generation of the previous remote input signal exceeds an input signal absence threshold.

Abstract: A restraining device, for a rider of a vehicle, includes a restraining belt that is integratable or is integrated at least partly into a garment of the rider, the restraining belt being configured so as to encompass at least one bodily region of the rider, and includes a connecting element that is connectable or is connected to the restraining belt, the connecting element being configured to bind the rider detachably to the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety device for a set belt includes a retractor having a rack gear on a circumferential outer surface of which the seat belt is wound; a pretensioner operated upon a collision of a car and rotating the rack gear in a direction for winding the seat belt; a release unit installed adjacent to the pretensioner, operated after the pretensioner operates the rack gear, and rotating the rack gear in a direction for unwinding the seat belt; and a switch unit receiving a manipulation force for operating the release unit, generating electricity, transferring the electricity to the release unit, and operating the release unit.

Abstract: The seat belt failure warning apparatus is disposed with a buckle switch that detects wearing of a webbing, a rotation sensor that detects a drawing-out amount of the webbing, and a liquid crystal display that switchingly displays a plurality of alarm information. A controller is disposed with a failure determination unit that determines whether the seat belt device has had a failure or not, and a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display. When the buckle switch is OFF and drawing-out of the webbing is detected by the rotation sensor after the failure determination unit has determined the seat belt device has had a failure, failure information of the seat belt which indicates that the seat belt device has had a failure as a determination result by the failure determination unit is displayed on the liquid crystal display regardless of a display priority of alarm information.

Abstract: The present invention is pertaining to a self-releasable safety belt (1) for a motorcycle or equivalent vehicles, characterized by a strap (2) including a first end and a second end, a retractor (3) receiving the first end of said strap (2) for stowing and locking the strap (2), a detachable joint (4) coupling the first end of said strap (2) to the rear of the vehicles, a male connector (7) coupled to the second end of said strap (2), a female connector (8) including a pair of releasing devices (9), a mounting device (10) coupling the female connector (8) to the rear of the vehicles, and a U-bracket (11) affixed on the mounting device (10) and having two arms (12) protruded towards the pair of releasing devices (9). The male connector (7) is ejected from the female connector (8) when the releasing devices (9) contact the arms (12) with force.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle seat belt includes a rotatably supported belt reel (12) from which webbing can be unwound, a force limiting means which in a force limiting phase permits controlled webbing extension in the webbing extension direction when the belt reel (12) is blocked and a particular force threshold is exceeded, and a change-over device for carrying out a change-over operation before and/or during the force limiting phase in which it is changed from a first force level to a second force level. The change-over device includes a control means adapted to trigger or inhibit the change-over operation at least in response to the recognition of an installed child safety seat (34).

Abstract: A five-point safety belt and a safety belt unlocking mechanism. The safety belt includes a three-point safety belt, a two-point safety belt and two locking mechanisms. The unlocking mechanism includes a safety belt and a safety belt locking mechanism arranged on two sides of a passenger. Each locking mechanism is provided with a button integrally formed therewith for unlocking the safety belt. The unlocking mechanism is also provided with a cable, two ends of the cable are respectively connected to one end of the two buttons for unlocking. A handle is connected to a middle section of the cable. The handle may be arranged in front of the passenger, and the safety belt can be unlocked synchronously through the handle, which can be operated easily.

Abstract: A seat belt apparatus includes a reel, a motor, a clutch member, a belt reacher, a door opening/closing detection section, a wearing detection section and a motor control section. Once a change from an opened state to a closed state of a vehicle door is detected by the opening/closing detection section, the control section controls the motor so that the webbing is pulled out from the reel at a predetermined speed. Once wearing of the webbing is detected by the wearing detection section while the webbing is being pulled out at the predetermined speed, the control section controls the motor to stop pulling-out of the webbing. The predetermined speed is first kept at a constant speed, corresponding for example to a 10[%] duty cycle, for a predetermined time period and then caused to gradually decrease from the constant speed.

Abstract: A method to improve design efficiency by reducing power plant complexity and engineering costs by minimizing power plant changes when installing into new powertrain groups. A three-dimensional grid is defined for the powertrain group with power plant and transmission zones to define projections for attaching selected components to a powertrain version. The zones correspond to matrices dividing each of a width, length, and height of a respective plant and of a transmission into specified proportions. A respective zone is designated for attaching each of the selected components within the group. Each powertrain version is designed to place each selected component for a powertrain version within a predetermined tolerance margin of its respective designated zone. The grid organization is also applied to placement of components and placement of the powertrain itself within the underhood environment of a vehicle, a vehicle platform, or a group of vehicle models.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for receiving a tongue connected to a seat belt webbing. The buckle includes a first ejector spring in a position out of an area ? of the path of movement of an engagement portion of the tongue and an imaginary extended area ? extended from the area ? in the direction of movement of the engagement portion, and on the outer side of a base. A second ejector spring is provided in a position out of at least one of the area ? and the imaginary extended area ?, and on the outer side of the base 8. A bracket for fixing the buckle to the vehicle body can be provided closer to a tongue insertion hole, thereby reducing the length of the buckle in the tongue insertion direction.

Abstract: A telescoping seatbelt buckle design that improves seatbelt buckle accessibility and comfort by telescopingly adjusting the length of the seatbelt buckle assembly to maintain an optimal relationship between the seatbelt buckle position and the vehicle seat cushion position, wherein the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly is adapted to maintain the optimal position of the seatbelt buckle relative to the vehicle seat cushion over a full range of seat height and seat track travels. Particularly, on a power seat, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly adjustment occurs passively as a vehicle occupant moves or adjusts the vehicle seat height or tilt using the seat controller switches, as the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly is coupled to a motor used to adjust the vehicle seat position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to determine a vehicle's lateral velocity during abnormal driving situations of a vehicle during controlled side-impact or rollover crash tests that involve the pulling of a vehicle sideways into an object. A high-resolution, low-range, lateral accelerometer is integrated to determine the lateral velocity. Furthermore, is a method to initiate the integration of the acceleration signal and a method to stop and reset the integration. The method recognizes special conditions associated with abnormal driving situations like controlled crash tests, and therefore will not be active during normal operating conditions. The method also includes a means to handle offset tolerances associated with accelerometers by finding the sensor's zero-g point while the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: A control device controls driving of a motor such that a clutch of a power transmission mechanism is moved to a disconnecting position and thereby a belt reacher device is moved around in a forward direction of a vehicle by a return spring of the belt reacher device, if a change from an open state to a closed state of a door is detected by a door switch. The control device controls driving of the motor such that a webbing is winded and thereby the belt reacher device is moved around to a retracted position in a backward direction of the vehicle, if a determination is made that no occupant seated in a passenger seat is detected by an output of an OFF signal from a buckle switch of the passenger seat and a determination is made that start-up of the vehicle is detected by an output of an ON signal from an ignition switch.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system of the present invention includes a curtain airbag (2), a side airbag (4), a seat belt (6) with a built-in pretensioner, and a rollover detection device (11) configured to detect or predict rollover of a vehicle (1). The occupant restraint system further includes a control device (11) configured to perform control of deploying the side airbag when the rollover of the vehicle is detected or predicted by the rollover detection device, activating the pretensioner (19) after a predetermined time elapses from the deployment of the side airbag, and then deploying the curtain airbag.

Abstract: A seat belt alarm system to alert users to the presence of an infant or child, or disabled, infirm or elderly person in a vehicle. The seat belt alarm utilizes a portable bracket configured to removably attach to a female receptacle of a seat belt system. The bracket includes a tension mechanism positioned to be acted upon by a male buckle of a seat belt system when the male buckle of the seat belt mates with the female receptacle of the seat belt system. In a depressed state, the tension mechanism activates a signal transmitter configured to transmit a local signal received by a signal receiver integrated in a keychain fob. When the keychain fob moves outside of a signal range (e.g., 10 feet) while the tension mechanism remains in a depressed state, an alarm and/or red indicator light on the keychain fob is/are activated.

Abstract: The self-releasing vehicular harness is a harness designed to prevent a driver or rider of a motorcycle from flying over the handlebars during a head-on or upright collision. The self-releasing vehicular harness includes a tether that extends from the harness to a spring-loaded drum located in a housing positioned to the rear of the end user. The housing contains at least one tensioning means that releases the drum in order to enable the tether to unroll thereby releasing the end user from the vehicle in the event of a non-head-on collision or other parameter. An inclinometer detects the angle of the vehicle in order to determine whether to release or lock the spring-loaded drum. A kill switch and/or seat sensor may work in conjunction with the inclinometer to further define parameters for releasing or locking the tether.

Abstract: Various embodiments of restraint harnesses for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, a restraint harness can include a first shoulder web, a second shoulder web, and a torso web. A first end portion of the torso web can include a buckle that is configured to engage a connector at a second, opposite end portion of the torso web. The restraint harness can further include first and second portions of a stiffening material attached to first and second portions of the first and second shoulder webs, respectively. The stiffening material can form the first and second shoulder webs into preformed openings with inverted U-like shapes.

Abstract: An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and at least one safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a forward speed of the vehicle. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the forward speed of the vehicle to a predetermined forward speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined forward speed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system includes a reversible belt tensioner (12) adapted to apply a belt tightening force (F) on several predetermined levels to a belt strap (14) of a seat belt, a control unit (16) for controlling the belt tensioner (12) and a device (18) for detecting the course of a road (S1, S2) ahead of the vehicle and for identifying bends lying ahead of the vehicle. The control unit (16) causes the belt tightening force (F) to be kept on an increased level when in the course of the road a further bend follows a just taken bend within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.

Abstract: An active safety apparatus for vehicles and a method of controlling the apparatus, which can actively control the operation of a safety device, such as an airbag device or a seatbelt device installed in a vehicle for restraining a passenger behavior and protecting a passenger in a vehicle collision, based on the conditions of a vehicle collision and the passenger behavior which vary depending on the conditions of the vehicle collision, thereby optimally protecting the passenger for the conditions of the vehicle collision and improving passenger safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a servo system for operating an exoskeleton adapted to encircle an object of interest and for supplying a force thereon. A servomotor is coupled to a power source and operates the position of the exoskeleton and thus the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest. A measuring unit measures a raw driving current signal Iraw supplied by the power source to drive the servomotor. A low pass filter applies a low pass frequency filtering on the measured a filtered current signal Ifiltered. A processing unit determines an actuated current signal Iactuated based on the servomotor setting parameters, where Iactuated indicates the contribution to Iraw from the servomotor when operating the position of the exoskeleton. The processing unit also determines a driving force current signal Iforce indicating the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest, where Iforce is proportional to the difference between Ifiltered and Iactuated.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a first vehicle seat, a first seat belt, assigned to the first vehicle seat and having an assigned first receptacle, at least one second vehicle seat, a second seat belt, assigned to the second vehicle seat and having an assigned second receptacle, a first receptacle sensor for determining whether the first seat belt is engaged in the first receptacle, a second receptacle sensor for determining whether the second seat belt is engaged in the second receptacle, and a man-machine interface for outputting a start command. In addition, the motor vehicle includes a control unit for generating the start command and for determining the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle and the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle.

Abstract: An occupant protection system includes a winding shaft that winds up a seat belt; a reacher rotatably supported by a rotating shaft and which changes the position of the seat belt in a front-back direction of a vehicle; a biasing member biasing the reacher to turn in a front direction of the vehicle; a retraction detection unit detects that the reacher is in a rear position; a motor rotates the winding shaft in a winding direction and a pull-out direction of the seat belt; a current detection unit detects the motor current; and a control unit The control unit is configured to change the rotating direction of the motor to the pull-out direction when the motor is rotating in the direction of winding up the seat belt, the reacher is not in the rear position, and the motor current is a predetermined current value or higher.

Abstract: This seat belt device of a vehicle includes a webbing, a belt reel, a motor, a clutch, detection unit, brake control unit and motor control unit. The motor control unit includes a waiting current control unit configured to conduct a current that can maintain the clutch to be in the connection state in the motor when the brake control unit outputs the operation signal and variable current control unit configured to proceed from current control performed by the waiting current control unit when a change in the movement state of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit during the current control performed by the waiting current control unit and adjusts the amount of conduction in the motor based on the movement state of the vehicle that is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and at least one safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle blind-spot detection system has a remote sensor covering a rear-quadrant blind spot sensing zone and a forward-quadrant side impact sensing zone. A control module receives signals from a side impact sensor and the blind-spot detection sensor, calculates an approach vector of an object in the side impact sensing zone and/or the blind spot sensing zone, determines that the object will impact the vehicle, initializes a side impact algorithm controlling activation of an occupant safety device, detects an impact on the side of the vehicle and determines a magnitude of the impact, compares the magnitude of the impact with a threshold value established at least in part based upon the magnitude of the approach vector, and activates the occupant safety device if the magnitude of the impact exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a device for control or regulation of a restraint system in a vehicle having a safety belt and at least one of an operation or convenience function. The operation and convenience functions of the restraint system adapt in a situation-related fashion and set the belt retraction force that acts on the safety belt.

Abstract: A passenger detection system includes a passenger detecting part including a load detecting section that detects a load caused by a passenger seated on a seat of a vehicle, and a passenger detection controller including a passenger recognizing section, a movement detecting section and an activation determining section. The passenger recognizing section executes a passenger recognition based on a load detection signal outputted from the load detecting section. The movement detecting section detects whether the vehicle is moving based on the load detection signal. The activation determining section determines whether or not to activate an airbag apparatus based on a passenger recognition signal when a movement detection signal outputted from the movement detecting section indicates that the vehicle is stopped, and forgoes executing the determination and holds a determination result from a previous control cycle when the movement detection signal indicates that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat has a belt with a shoulder-belt portion extending diagonally across the seat between an upper portion of first side of the seat and a lower portion of a second side of the seat. An upper belt guide is mounted adjacent to the upper first side of the seat and engages the shoulder-belt to allow it to slide along the guide during belt retraction and extension. A safety sensor/control system generates a signal indicating a condition requiring improved occupant restraint in the seat. A guide actuator is activated in response to the safety sensor/control system signal and displaces the upper belt guide in a transverse direction relative to the seat. The displacement of the guide moves the shoulder-belt portion closer to the neck and/or shoulder of the seat occupant to more securely restrain the occupant.

Abstract: An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and a driver safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed.